Written Answers Nos. 1198-1200
1198. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a psychology session tailored for a 14-year-old ASD student (details supplied) can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46834/24]
View answer1199. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the funding available under the play and recreation scheme for 2025; and if consideration will be given for once off funding for large urban areas to develop and build playgrounds. [46867/24]
View answerIn 2025, the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation will make €500,000 available for the development of new play and recreation facilities, the refurbishment of existing facilities and the incorporation of natural play elements. Funding is available to all Local Authorities for a project the Local Authority wishes to develop or refurbish, including projects in large urban areas. Applications must be made through the relevant Local Authority Play and Recreation Network member.
The criteria for the scheme were developed in partnership with the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network, established to bring a focus on play and recreation within each local authority.
For each project, 25% of the awarded amount must be provided by the Local Authority. The facilities and equipment funded must be accessible to children and young people of all abilities, as far as possible.
All facilities and equipment funded must be child-friendly and safe, and all projects funded under the scheme must provide evidence that children and young people living locally and who will have access to the facility, have been consulted about the project for which funding is sought.
All spaces and facilities for which funding is granted must be available for use by all children and young people in the locality at times when they are free to use them, including outside of school hours.
Children’s playgrounds and play areas should be places of fun and activity for all children to enjoy, so that every child can experience the joy and excitement that comes with playing outdoors.
The 2025 scheme will open for applications at the end of January 2025.
1200. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the staffing composition of HSE speech and language services, including the number of managers and therapists, that cover the Tramore and Kilmeadan areas in County Waterford; the number of approved posts; the number of filled posts; the number of maternity cover posts needed in 2025 and the number which are filled. [46903/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
