Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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203. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she can provide exact clarity in relation to the running of summer camps for children, both indoors and outdoors and summer classes for children, both indoors and outdoors (details supplied); if they are allowed to be run; the State body providing advice on this for parents and guardians and those running the classes and camps; the State body that is assigned to monitor compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38358/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Non-formal educational and outdoor activities resources and opportunities for the summer months including summer camps are not provided by my Department. These activities are normally provided for by organisations that charge a fee for their product/service and my Department does not endorse any one product or service.

My Department has a general policy of encouraging the use of school facilities by community and other groups where this is possible and following consultation with the relevant school authorities, published Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of school hours. These guidelines can be viewed on my Department's website at this link:

www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/guidelines-on-the-use-of-school-buildings-outside-of-school-hours

It is recognised that schools play an important role in their wider communities and many schools make their facilities available outside of school hours for a variety of different uses and users. The core objective of any decision in this regard, is that any activity is operated in a safe manner and must be consistent with public health advice.