Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019
401. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider passing legislation, regulations or guidelines thatwould encourage primary schools to make space available to private or community operators to provide afterschool care facilities in primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13928/19]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that following consultation with relevant school authorities, Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours were published by my Department in October 2017. These guidelines can be viewed on my Department's website at this link: https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/guidelines-on-the-use-of-school-buildings-outside-of-school-hours.pdf
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance for schools in relation to the use of school buildings outside of school hours and guidance for those schools who are considering putting such arrangements in place.
In general, the management of school premises at local level is a matter for the relevant school authorities, and if a community group is interested in using school facilities contact should be made with the school in the first instance.
