Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
431. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education 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]
View answerThe 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.
