Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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589. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will request school management bodies to facilitate the return of indoor sports activities which have used school facilities in the past. [42650/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Schools are required to have a COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe operation through the prevention, early detection and control of COVID-19 in line with public health advice. This guidance is focused on the practical steps schools must take to minimise the risk of transmission of infection.

In relation to the use of school facilities by community and other groups, my Department has a policy of encouraging use, where this is possible and following consultation with the relevant school authorities.  Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of school hours is available at .

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 use of school facilities are a matter for individual Boards of Managements.

My Department will continue to engage regularly with the partners so that appropriate guidance can be provided to schools so that all activities including those referred to by the Deputy can operate in a safe manner in line with public health advice.