Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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359. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being taken in view of the cancellation of after-school programmes that are of the view they cannot take children due to the pod system that will be introduced in primary schools in September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16876/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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There has been a lot of engagement between my Department and stakeholders in relation to reopening of schools in September and this engagement is on-going. My Department’s number one priority, and the wider school sector is to reopen our schools as fully, normally and safely as possible at the start of the new school year. The Department and stakeholders are collectively focused on working through the detail on what the return to school will look like for all schools. The public health guidance is clear that we must maximise the space within the classroom to facilitate the pupils in the classroom and maximise the space within the existing school building in the first instance.

The range of school settings presents both opportunities and challenges. Flexibility and agility in how we respond is key. My Department is working through with school managers, leaders and staff on how best they can be supported to not only open schools but to ensure they remain open and in a position to make their buildings available for after school activities.

In general, the management of school premises at local level is a matter for the relevant school authorities.