David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 386: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the role his Department has in the promotion and support of the use of school facilities by community groups as outlined in the Agreed Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40976/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Education has the lead role in the promotion and support of the use of school facilities by community groups as outlined in the Agreed Programme for Government. The Government recognises the opportunity in appropriate cases where school premises could be made available to the wider community.

I should also mention that improved use of school facilities at evenings and weekends was a recommendation of the taskforce on active citizenship. The recommendations of the Taskforce have been accepted by Government and are now being advanced. To promote and support this approach, the Gaeltacht Improvement Scheme operated by my Department can provide assistance towards the development of certain school facilities for use by community groups in the Gaeltacht and on the islands. In providing such assistance, as well as enhancing school facilities, it would be the aim of my Department to develop the culture, heritage and the social infrastructure of the Gaeltacht and the islands and to support the Irish language.

In addition, the Steering Group overseeing the development of the new National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 are considering the development of facilities for the general youth population and those most "at-risk" through increased access to community, sports and school facilities. My Department has been actively pursuing the promotion and support of the use of school facilities by community groups through the National Assessment Committee of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund. In addition, funding from Dormant Accounts has been made available to support a number of sports halls and facilities in schools.