Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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143. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the implementation of the commitment in the programme for Government that additional capitation funding will be provided to schools which make buildings available for afterschool care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34184/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with key commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government (May 2016) in relation to encouraging the use of school buildings outside school hours for afterschool care, my Department is working closely with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in considering how to facilitate schools who wish to make their facilities available as part of the range of options available to parents where there is demand. 

In general, school authorities have a considerable degree of autonomy in relation to how their premises are managed and utilised at local level. The use of school facilities must be approved by the school authority.  In 2005, my Department issued a circular to Trustees, Boards of Management and Principals of Primary and Voluntary Secondary Schools (Circular Letter Prim 16/05) to encourage Trustees and Boards of Management to make their facilities available where possible for community, education and recreation purposes. This circular recognises that the decision ultimately lies with the relevant Board or Trustees and that the first priority at all times should be the interest of the school, its teachers and pupils.

In facilitating such extra provision there are a number of complex issues that need to be considered in respect of such arrangements. These issues - including property, governance, insurance and liability - are being considered as part of ongoing work within my Department of the requirements to be established around the use of school premises/property for various purposes, including afterschool care and the preparation of guidelines in relation to same. I met with education partners during the summer to discuss the use of school buildings for wider community use, including afterschool care. 

To progress the range of commitments to create a high quality afterschool care system, my Department is working closely with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.  An interdepartmental group is looking at key issues and is expected to report to me and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs shortly.  These issues include:

- Capacity and demand for services

- Children's views on afterschool care

- An appropriate quality and standards framework

- The development of criteria for a capital scheme to be funded by DCYA

- Estimated existing use of school buildings

- Collaborative models with existing community/private service providers.