Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019
500. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will publish the new play and recreation policies further to the completion in quarter 4 2016 of the review of the previous national play and recreation policies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17391/19]
View answerMy Department provides funding through the local authorities for National Play Day and National Recreation Week activities. In 2018, a total of €78,000 was awarded to 20 local authorities for these activities. Additionally, a capital grant funding scheme for play and recreation was introduced in 2013 to provide capital funding to support new and existing play and recreation facilities for all children and young people. In 2018, €250,000 was awarded to 26 local authorities under this scheme.
The Department also works with the Local Authority for Play and Recreation Network (LAPRN). The LAPRN was established to bring a more coordinated approach to the implementation of the National Play and Recreation policies, and this Department works closely with the group to develop and promote improved play and recreation facilities.
The review of the play and recreation policy was considered by officials in my Department. Further work has been done in building towards new play policy and this has been reflected in First 5, A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families. This is a ten year Strategy which was launched in November 2018.
Under strategic Action 3.3 of First 5 my Department is committed to conducting a mapping exercise of current play policy, practice and provision with a focus on early childhood and, on the basis of findings, to make recommendations for future actions.
Progress has been made under this Action as researchers from DCU have compiled a report mapping out the full range of playgrounds and MUGAs across Ireland which was part-funded by my Department.
