Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1328. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the case of a preschool service (details supplied) which has been advised it may have no premises for the 2025/2026 school year and beyond; if there is support and assistance available from her Department to ensure the preschool remains open, given the vital service provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10975/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that approximately 15% of early learning and childcare provision operates from school premises. The Programme for Government sets out the ambition to work with schools to host before and after-school childcare in school buildings as well as planning the development of State-led early learning and childcare facilities in tandem with the school building programme.

Last year, the Department of Education published Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours provides. This document provides encouragement and guidance to schools to make available facilities for early learning and childcare and other community purposes when not required by the school.

I am aware however that there will be instances where classrooms or other school spaces are required for educational provision. In this regard, it may be necessary for Boards of Management to prioritise the provision of school places over early learning and childcare.

Where services are experiencing challenges with premises, their local County Childcare Committee may be able to provide support to identify alternative accommodation and case management assistance may be provided by Pobal. County Childcare Committees can also support parents to find alternative places for their children as required.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1329. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the case of a pre-school service (details supplied) which has been advised they may have no premises for the 2025/2026 school year and beyond; if there is support and assistance available from her Department to ensure the pre-school remains open given the vital service provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10978/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that approximately 15% of early learning and childcare provision operates from school premises. The Programme for Government sets out the ambition to work with schools to host before and after-school childcare in school buildings as well as planning the development of State-led early learning and childcare facilities in tandem with the school building programme.

Last year, the Department of Education published Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours provides. This document provides encouragement and guidance to schools to make available facilities for early learning and childcare and other community purposes when not required by the school.

I am aware however that there will be instances where classrooms or other school spaces are required for educational provision. In this regard, it may be necessary for Boards of Management to prioritise the provision of school places over early learning and childcare.

Where services are experiencing challenges with premises, their local County Childcare Committee may be able to provide support to identify alternative accommodation and case management assistance may be provided by Pobal. County Childcare Committees can also support parents to find alternative places for their children as required.