27. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the degree to which the ‘procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours’ is monitored and measured; if barriers to access have been identified and if they will be addressed; if she supports the call by an organisation (details supplied) for a dual-use facilities strategy and recognise the importance of schools in this regard (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54039/26]

The Department conducts an annual Schools Data Collection survey (SDC) each October which asks schools a range of questions in relation to the day-to-day operation of the schools including the use of school facilities outside of school hours.

In line with the Programme for Government commitment on the use of school buildings outside of hours, schools are strongly encouraged to make their facilities available to the community outside of school hours, in line with the provisions of the “Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours”.

The department published procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours to assist school authorities when entering arrangements with local and community groups. A key principle of these procedures is that such arrangements should be self-financing. At a minimum, any charges applied should cover costs such as maintenance, utilities, additional insurance, legal requirements, and any other associated overheads.

The Department of Education and Youth supports and encourages the use of all school buildings for community and recreational purposes, where feasible. 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.