Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 1

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Michael Noonan

Question:

253 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the paucity of public playgrounds for children in urban areas; if he will undertake responsibility for the provision of playgrounds through the health boards in the interest of children's health and safety in view of the fact that local authorities are taking down playgrounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19375/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

As Minister of State with responsibility for children's issues, the paucity of public playgrounds for children in urban areas is of concern to me. As the provision of public playgrounds is a matter for the Department of the Environment and Local Government, I am writing to my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, to bring this matter to his attention.