Brendan Griffin
Question:184. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the opening of a preschool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15365/16]
View answerTuesday, 14 June 2016
Questions (184, 202)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:202. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) which has applied to open a preschool on its premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15659/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 202 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that, in general, school authorities have a considerable degree of autonomy in relation to how their premises are managed and utilised at local level. It should be noted that the vast majority of primary school buildings in the country are in private ownership, including the school referred to by the Deputy.
The Department has a general policy of encouraging the use of school facilities by community and other groups where this is possible. However, any proposal for the use of school facilities must be approved by the Patron/owner. I understand that the Patron/owner has not granted approval for the operation of a pre-school on the premises in question.
In 2005, the Department issued a circular to Trustees, Boards of Management and Principals of Primary and Voluntary Secondary Schools (Circular Letter Prim 16/05) to encourage Trustees and Boards of Management to make their facilities available where possible for community, education and recreation purposes. This circular recognises that the decision ultimately lies with the relevant Board or Trustees and that the first priority at all times should be the interest of the school, its teachers and pupils.