Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

483. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is her policy to provide gender neutral toilets in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25872/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to inform the Deputy that it is not the policy of my Department to provide Gender Neutral Toilets in schools.

Design Guidance Document SDG-02-06 clearly outlines that the designation of each sanitary facility within a school as gender specific or neutral is a matter for the School authority and should be based on consultation with the School community. As such, the design guidance clarifies that early discussion in the design process between the Design Team and the School Authority in relation to the arrangement and layout of all sanitary facilities is required.

Technical Guidance document, SDG-02-06, provides design guidance specifically in relation to Sanitary Facilities and sets out the required standards of performance to be used in the design of primary and post primary school toilets with an emphasis on achieving build quality; value for money; safety in design, construction and use; effective management and operation of the school building.

The design guidance is written to ensure that the school environment is designed to be flexible and responsive to each school’s individual requirements.

The design guidance contained in SDG-02-06 offers the choice to each school authority as to which path they choose to follow in providing flexible and inclusive environments for pupils.