Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

876. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the current guidelines on the after-hours use of school buildings with a view to giving more control on the decision making process to the board of management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19325/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

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