Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
850. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to change policy in relation to preschool provision on school campuses; the details in this regard, including the ways in which she will support preschools on school campuses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14113/26]
View answerPolicy responsibility for the use of school buildings lies with the Department of Education and Youth.
In 2024, the Department of Education published Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours. 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.
The proportion of early learning and childcare services located on school premises has grown very significantly in recent years.
In the 2021/22 programme year, 15.9% of early learning and childcare services were located on school premises. Recent administrative data indicates that the proportion of early learning and childcare services located on school premises has further increased to 22.5% in the current 2024/25 programme year.
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.
The potential for development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme will be considered as part of the wider capital plans to develop State-led services.
