Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
393. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Education if she has plans for renovating or converting unused school buildings for economic purposes or for remote working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43215/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe vast majority of properties which were previously used as schools are privately owned. In many cases the owner is the local diocese or a religious congregation. Any decision on the use of these private properties is a matter for the owner.
There are a small number of properties which had previously been used as schools in the ownership of me as Minister for Education or the Education and Training Boards. Most of these properties are being considered for alternative educational provision. Should an educational requirement not be identified for any of these properties it will be made available to other State bodies under the protocols in place for the transfer of State property between State bodies.
In such circumstances the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), who are the lead Department for the development of remote working hubs , will be made aware of the availability of such State properties. Your enquiry in this respect will be brought to the attention of my ministerial colleague in that Department. My Department will also inform the DETE on the nature of ownership of former schools should that Department wish to pursue the matter further with the relevant religious authorities. By way of information, the DETE have produced a number of reports on remote working and these are available on its departmental website.
My Department also understands that the Department of Rural and Community Development has an involvement in the funding and roll-out of remote working in rural areas. That Department works in conjunction with the DETE on the matter. Information on that Department’s activities regarding remote working and the development of remote working facilities can be found on its departmental website.
