Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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218. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the proposals he is currently reviewing in conjunction with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to carry out the programme for Government commitment to have schools available for child care services outside school hours; if community groups and private providers will be allowed tender for access to those facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3022/17]

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 establishing a quality system of school age childcare, 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.  A cross-departmental group is now finalising an Action Plan for School Age Childcare which has been considered by me and my colleague, Minister Zappone, T.D.   

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. I engaged with education partners specifically in relation to this matter in a very positive roundtable discussion in the Summer.  These issues - including property, governance, insurance and liability - are being considered as part of a review within my Department of the requirements to be established around the use of school premises/property for pre-school and after school services and the preparation of guidelines in consultation with patrons/trustees in relation to same.