After-School Support Services

Thursday, 16 July 2026

Ceisteanna (297, 348)

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

297. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will request the Minister for Education and Youth, if she will consider altering the guidance to primary schools regarding making a room or rooms available to afterschool providers; if she will consider making this mandatory for all primary schools in order to assist in increasing the availability of afterschool services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54653/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

348. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider altering the guidance to primacy schools regarding making a room or rooms available to afterschool providers; if she will consider making this mandatory for all primary schools in order to assist in increasing the availability of afterschool services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54652/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 348 together.

The department is supportive of school facilities being used for after-hours school-age childcare, and for early learning and care where there is available accommodation that is not required for school-aged education purposes. The Procedures are relevant in providing guidance to schools in this regard. However, it is important that educational requirements, including special education provision, takes precedence for the use of school accommodation.

School authorities considering facilitating such services on school property should ensure that any service provider can confirm compliance with all relevant child protection/childcare legislation, guidelines and regulations. The recommended approach is that where Early Learning and Care is proposed, subject to the relevant consents of Property Owners/Trustee and Patron, rooms or premises may be made available to third parties (registered childcare providers) by means of a legal agreement.