Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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431. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will engage directly with a school regarding the urgent need for an on-site, after-school service for all students attending the school; if she recognises the significant strain on working parents due to the lack of after-school care; and if she will consider introducing a transport scheme to help families access alternative providers where local options are unavailable. [15760/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The programme for Government commits to expand the provision of after-school and childcare in school buildings and campuses, in tandem with the school building programme, to provide better access for parents and communities.

My Department supports and encourages the use of school buildings for community and recreational purposes, where feasible, including the provision of early learning and childcare services.

The use of school property and sports facilities by the local community can support the social fabric of community life and help to serve the need for new community facilities in areas where there has been a strong rollout of residential developments.

The use of school facilities also supports an active and healthy lifestyle for communities in line with the Healthy Ireland policy.

The process of reviewing the 2017 “Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours” was completed in early 2024 and the revised “Procedures on the use of School Property and School Sports Facilities outside of School Hours” was published in June 2024.

The procedures are available for each school to refer to for guidance.

Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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432. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department is assessing the case for urgent action in respect of the health and safety concerns regarding the condition of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15762/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The school in question submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for external environment works. The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation and, on this basis, the school was advised to submit a revised scope of works with an accompanying itemised cost breakdown.

Once this has been received the EWS team will review the revised application and will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.