Vol. 524 No. 2
432 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the provision of out-of-school hours child care in available space in schools as in a case (details supplied); the proposals he has to encourage such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22222/00]
My Department, in support of the national child care strategy being led by the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform, is currently engaged in a survey of spare capacity in all primary and post primary schools.
I indicated in the circular to schools which accompanied the survey form, that I am anxious to ensure that spare accommodation would be used for child care purposes where this is feasible. Any such accommodation would be made available to child care providers by the school authorities on a rental or leasing arrangement. My Department is prepared to subsidise these arrangements through the provision of a financial contribution to schools towards additional heating, lighting and insurance costs. Consideration would also be given to providing capital grants for essential minor refurbishment works to make the premises suitable for child care purposes.
The school in question has indicated that it has two spare classrooms that it is willing to make available for childcare purposes. In order to ensure an integrated approach, details of the scheme to support schools in this way will be finalised in consultation with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
