Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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127. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools which currently accommodate an afterschool care service on their property; the supports which her Department provide to schools willing to accommodate such services and the extra expenses which they might generate; and the probable areas of proposed changes in the guidelines which she is planning to promote more community use of school facilities [33037/22]

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. 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 information requested by the Deputy concerning the number of schools which currently accommodate an after school care service on their property is not readily available. Schools in general work closely with the communities in which they operate. Efforts to enhance the use of school facilities (including after schools services) should build on the linkages that exist between schools and their communities. 

In respect of funding provided to schools by my Department, this is in relation to education provision at primary and post-primary level. For funding for uses outside of school hours, schools may access where available funding from other government departments, local authorities or from their own resources. 

My Department plans to undertake a review of the Guidelines mentioned by the Deputy 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. The information provided from these engagements will further inform any additional measures that can be introduced either by my Department or in conjunction with other Department to assist school in making their facilities available outside of school hours.