David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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158. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 2 February 2023; the progress, if any, that has been made on the review of guidelines on the use of school buildings outside of school hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20831/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The process of reviewing the 2017 Guidelines for the Use of School Buildings outside of School Hours is now underway by my Department. My Department supports and encourage the use of school buildings for community and recreational purposes , where feasible, and this will remain a core feature of the new Guidelines.

Part of the review includes a school survey to inform the updating of the Guidelines. The survey has been issued to patron bodies of a sample of selected primary and post-primary schools for distribution. The survey invites schools to share their views on topics including: whether and how their school facilities are currently used by organisations other than the school, future plans for the use of school buildings and any current barriers encountered regarding the use of school buildings after hours.

The responses to the survey are now being returned and will continue to be returned over the coming weeks. The replies are in the process of being collated. They will then be analysed and will inform the review of the Guidelines. Following the review, and in consultation with school authorities, the Guidelines will be updated as necessary and all schools will be notified of the changes.