Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 275, 276 and 277 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not collate or collect the requested information regarding license agreements held by pre-schools for the use of space within primary schools buildings.

In some instances, school authorities have facilitated a pre-school service on school property which involves the use of spare capacity within an existing building. The priority for schools is the educational provision for pupils and should schools require the space for school purposes then that space must be returned to full-time school use. This is very important but is of particular relevance where there is a growing school population and a school has not yet reached full capacity. The space which is available may then be required in the future.

A set of guidelines ('Guidelines on the use of School buildings outside of School Hours') in relation to the use of school buildings outside of school hours was published by my Department in October 2017. These guidelines can be viewed on the Department's website at this link: www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/guidelines-on-the-use-of-school-buildings-outside-of-school-hours.pdf. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance for schools in relation to the use of school buildings outside of school hours. A section within the document also provides guidance to schools who wish to consider facilitating pre-school arrangements The Guidelines are currently in the process of being reviewed and updated.