Vol. 528 No. 1
428 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if, where rooms have become vacant in primary schools, the Department will accept offers from interested parties to provide crèches or play schools in them, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29759/00]
School management authorities are responsible for the management and usage of spare accommodation in schools. The Deputy may be aware that the Government wishes to prioritise the development of the child care sector and, in particular, to increase the number of child care places available. My Department is working closely with other Departments and agencies with responsibility in this area, including the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which has primary responsibility for the development and implementation of appropriate strategies in relation to child care provision.
My Department is currently carrying out a survey of spare classroom accommodation in all first and second level schools. The survey information will be relayed to Area Development Management Limited for use in targeting State support to areas most in need of additional child care places. It is envisaged that where suitable school accommodation is identified and confirmed, appropriate supports, including financial assistance, will be made available to bring the additional capacity on stream as quickly as possible. I will make any necessary arrangements to support the use of spare school classrooms in this way.
