Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
150. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of any ongoing difficulties between sports clubs and schools run by religious institutions for access to and use of sporting facilities; if her Department is dealing with any such cases; and if there is a procedure for doing so. [70412/25]
View answerMy department has not been formally notified of any difficulties between sports clubs and schools run by religious institutions for access to and use of a school's sporting facilities.
My department has published procedures on the use of school buildings and school sports facilities outside of school hours. The purpose of these procedures is to assist schools that wish to make their buildings and sports facilities available to community groups, sporting clubs, or other organisations outside normal school hours.
The procedures set out the requirement for,
• Clear legal agreement with termination clause between the club and the school management
• Consultation with Patrons, Trustees and land owners
• Agreement between the school and the club on costs
• Compliance with governance manuals for specific school types.
