Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

153. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the suggestions by an organisation (details supplied) that related capital investment will be necessary if the programme for Government commitment on having schools available for childcare services can be successfully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16854/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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, 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.

Draft guidelines on the use of school buildings out of hours are currently being prepared and will be made available further to consultation with relevant school authorities and trustees.

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.

The provision of childcare services is a matter for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.  An interdepartmental group with senior officials from both my Department and from DCYA finalised an Action Plan for School age Childcare which was published in early March 2017.  Implementation of the Action Plan is now underway to develop an appropriate quality and standards framework and the development of a capital scheme to be funded by DCYA in 2017, which will provide small grants for childcare services.  My Department is in discussions with QQI in relation to other actions.  The Action Plan is available on .