Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
145. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide a list of the new school builds commenced since 2023 where pre-school childcare has been co-located with the mainstream school setting, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10572/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my department does not collect the requested information regarding the number of pre-schools located with a new build mainstream school. The main priority of my department is to provide sufficient capacity for educational purposes of school going children.
The Department of Education and Youth supports and encourages the use of all school buildings for community and recreational purposes, where feasible, including childcare and after school uses. Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours are available for each school to refer to for guidance in relation to the use of school buildings outside of school hours, including any planned pre school, after school and creche arrangements.
However, the decision on the use of school property is a matter for the property owner taking into consideration the current and future requirements of the school, the students and the staff. Also it is important that any proposed arrangement does not impede upon the future development of the school, given that the priority for schools is educational provision for its pupils.
