Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The question asks, particularly in light of the recent referendums and the use, once more, of many primary schools across the country as polling stations, the Minister's views on the use of primary schools, the impact on the education system and the cost of losing out on a day's teaching as a result of schools being closed. How many schools were involved in polling activities? Will the Minister work with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to ensure that between now and the next general election, within the next year, there will be a full audit carried out to assess what community facilities are available to use as alternatives to primary schools? In the vast majority of instances, as a result of the development of community facilities, sports clubs and community halls over the past number of years, there are real alternatives available to the use of schools, which in the distant past were the only options in many communities. There are alternatives and it is important that we make every effort to ensure they are used.

See this speech in context