asked the Minister for the Environment if there are any proposals to prepare a special environmental programme in relation to children's needs for the year 1979, which is designated by the United Nations as the International Year of the Child.
240.
Written Answers. - Children's Needs Programmes.
239.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider making extra finances available for each local authority in order that they may positively respond to the International Year of the Child by creating playground facilities in local housing estates.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together.
While there are no proposals in my Department for a separate environment programme for the purpose referred to by the Deputy, many of the programmes operated by my Department and by local authorities benefit children in one way or another. One example is the provision of open space and recreation facilities, both in connection with housing development and in the carrying out of works under the Environmental Improvement Schemes Programme. A further programme with a very strong element of child welfare is that for the settlement of itinerants. My Department meet the full cost of approved schemes and contribute substantially to the engagement of social workers and youth leaders in connection with the programme. It had also contributed to the provision of special educational facilities for itinerant children in various places.