Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 9

Written Answers. - Use of School Facilities.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

26 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education if he is prepared to enter into negotiations with the vocational education committee and boards of management of community schools so that they would enter into agreement with local clubs to enable them to have gymnasiums and halls in these schools used after school-hours for the benefit of the local communities; whether their insurance cover would be sufficient for these types of activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

84 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education if he is prepared to enter into negotiations with the vocational education committee and boards of management of community schools so that they would enter into agreement with local clubs to enable them to have gyms and halls in these schools used after school hours for the benefit of the local communities; whether their insurance cover would be sufficient for these types of activities, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 84 together.

Many schools already make their premises available as suggested by the Deputy. I am very much in favour of the use of school premises for community purposes outside of school hours and I would strongly urge that school buildings provided by way of State aid should be readily available for such use. I will be addressing this matter further in the forthcoming Green Paper on Education.

Where groups come together at the invitation of the schools, e.g. for parent association or parent-teacher meetings, the question of separate insurance cover does not arise. However, in all other circumstances, outside groups given permission to use school premises are obliged to effect comprehensive insurance.