Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2005
419 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will introduce a similar scheme to the CLÁR outdoor play enhancement scheme for all primary schools not associated with CLÁR; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17820/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra425 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions she has had with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the playground scheme; if a joint funding scheme between her Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will enable communities and schools to work together to develop such facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17848/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 419 and 425 together.
The CLÁR primary school outdoor play facilities enhancement scheme launched in March 2004 is operated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with joint funding from my Department. This scheme is aimed at improving outdoor play facilities in small rural primary schools in CLÁR areas. Funding is provided for projects such as provision of tarmacadam for play areas, sporting equipment and other recreational facilities for outdoor areas.
To date, my Department has provided funding of €500,000 towards this jointly funded scheme. While there are no plans to expand this scheme to all primary schools, it is open to schools to apply for funding to improve external facilities, including play facilities, under the annual summer works scheme. While I have not had discussions with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the playground scheme, my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, launched Ready, Steady, Play: A National Play Policy. Under this scheme, €2 million, in the form of 32 grants, was allocated to local authorities for the provision of playgrounds around the country.
It is open to all primary schools to use their annual minor works grant for such purposes provided it is not required for more urgent uses. A total of €18.7 million was paid out by my Department to all primary schools under the minor works grant scheme in November 2004. In addition, improvements to play facilities are generally considered within the design brief for building projects at schools. In terms of resources, almost €2 billion has been invested in the period 1998 to 2004 in order to provide modern accommodation, including improvements to play facilities, in schools.
