Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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467. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports and guidance given to national schools in regards to the leasing of sections of their premises to pre-schools. [2871/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department supports and encourages the use of school buildings for community and recreational purposes, where feasible, including childcare and after school uses.

My Department has recently published the Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours. These Procedures are available for each school to refer to for guidance in relation to the use of school buildings outside of school hours, including any planned pre school, after school and creche arrangements.

The decision on the use of school property is a matter for the property owner taking into consideration the current and future requirements of the school, the students and the staff. It is important that any proposed arrangement does not impede upon the future development of the school, given that the priority for schools is educational provision for its pupils.