asked the Minister for Education if he will direct that a review be undertaken of uses of the inner city school premises in Dublin to ensure that they are being used to the maximum advantage of the local community, especially in areas where there are falling numbers in attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Inner City School Premises.
19.
Under the terms of the school lease, national school buildings are intended to be used exclusively for the education of the pupils attending them. The use of these buildings after school hours is primarily a matter for the school trustees and boards of management. My Department have encouraged the use of school premises after school hours by community and other such groups.
The position as regards post primary schools in the inner city area of Dublin is that the vast majority of these schools are secondary schools and are, therefore, privately owned and managed. The extent to which these premises are made available is a matter for the management of each individual school to decide.
The remainder of the post primary schools in the area are operated by the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee. These schools provide a wide range of courses and activities, particularly in the area of adult education and are available to everybody.
I am not aware of any difficulties being experienced by local communities arising from the non-availability of school premises either during or outside normal school usage.
I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by undertaking a review as suggested by the Deputy.