Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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71. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the trend for gender neutral toilet facilities in the design of schools as in the case of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22521/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The operation of sanitary facilities is a matter for each school authority. As such, early discussion in the design process between the Design Team and the School Authority in relation to the arrangement and layout of sanitary facilities is required.

The Department of Education School Design Guide,SDG-02-06-Sanitary Facilities in Schools, allows schools to designate schools to designate sanitary facilites as single sex or gender neutral and this is a matter for each school. In general, the design guidelines are intended to ensure that sanitary facilities are successfully designed to facilitate all users regardless of ability or disability, to minimise the risk of bullying and too minimise the consumption of water, energy and other consumables.