Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I acknowledge that we are not too far apart in what he is saying. I want to acknowledge that the Department has no issue. As we previously outlined, it has made guidelines available as to how best practice would work in terms of ensuring how this would operate. As I said, I want to be clear because I do not want the impression to go abroad that this is not happening with school communities. I am aware of an enormous number of schools which are making their facilities available for a variety of different functions, gatherings, meetings or whatever initiatives might be required within a local community. I will reiterate that is very positive. As the Deputy said, there are considerations from a school's point of view. Obviously, we would want to build and nurture links with communities. Many schools have already achieved that. We welcome other schools taking on board what needs to be taken on board so those that wish to create links can do so.

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