Kathleen Funchion
Question:414. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education when homework clubs can resume given the lifting of restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6078/22]
View answerTuesday, 8 February 2022
Questions (414)
Written answers
The position is that decisions on the use of school facilities lies with the relevant school authority in consultation with the property owner and priority has to be given to the interests of the school, teachers and pupils.
My Department's policy is to encourage the use of school facilities, where possible, for community, training and education related activities such as homework clubs. My Department would encourage schools to facilitate the opening of after-school facilities wherever possible but on the basis that it would not impede the school's capacity to provide for education, as as we come out of the current COVID-19 situation.
To assist schools in considering applications for use of their facilities my Department, in consultation with representatives of schools, has drafted general guidelines on the use of school property outside of school hours which is available on my Department's website at:
www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/guidelines-on-the-use-of-school-buildings-outside-of-school-hours.pdf