Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
263. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education if she recognises that a problem exists with schools installing sensory playground equipment, given that schools are afraid of litigation and children with sensory needs are losing out as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52051/23]
View answerThe installation of sensory play equipment is site and project specific, often funded directly by schools and selected based on the individual school requirements. Where play equipment is installed as part of a building project the school will be assisted by the appointed design team. Appropriate provision for external play will be provided within school site constraints and this is set out in the Planning & Design Guidelines for Primary & Post Primary School Specialist Accommodation for Pupils with Special Educational Needs (copy attached – TGD 026). Sensory play areas can be divided into hard and soft play sections. Where specialist play equipment is provided, the Design Team will consult with the school authority at the outset regarding the range and type of equipment to be provided. Adequate provision must be allowed for the fixing of equipment into the hard and soft surfacing as part of the construction stage and for the play equipment to be fitted into sockets etc., once construction is complete. This is a matter for co-ordination to be overseen by the lead consultant on the project.
