Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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86. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration is being given to the use of schools for after-school care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13329/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The policy of my Department is to support the use of school premises and facilities for community, recreational and education-related purposes. This includes the use of school facilities for after-school care.

In 2017 guidance, which was developed in consultation with school authorities, on the use of school buildings outside of school hours was published. A copy of this guidance is available on my Department's website.

Any decision to make school facilities available lies with the relevant Trustees/ Property owners having regard to the requirements of the school, staff and students.

The guidelines include specific information concerning after-school provision. One of the issues to be considered for after-school care is whether this is being operated as a commercial entity. If so the school needs to ensure that the process they undertake is open, fair and transparent.

My Department plans to undertake a review of these guidelines in quarter 3 of 2022. As part of this review process my Department will consult with relevant stakeholders, including representatives of schools and other government Departments which engage with the community and voluntary sectors.