Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1273. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the national play policy titled Ready Steady Play will be updated during the lifetime of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43945/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlay and Recreation policy is an important aspect of the work of my Department because of the positive social and developmental impact of play in the lives of children and young people and its significance in promoting active healthy lifestyles. Now more than ever children need a safe place to play, now that restrictions around COVID-19 have been lifted. It is of the upmost importance that playgrounds meet the required safety standards and are available and inclusive for all children to enjoy.
Since the publication of 'Ready Steady Play' my Department has established the 'Local Authority for Play and Recreation Network' (LAPRN).
The LAPRN was established to bring a more coordinated approach to the implementation of National Play and Recreation policies, and this Department works closely with the group to develop and promote improved play and recreation facilities. Since 2018, DCEDIY have established annual meetings with the LAPRN members and established a sub-group of the LAPRN to consult on the application process for the Play and Recreation Capital Grant scheme.
This Capital Grant scheme is offered alongside funding made available to Local Authorities for 'National Play Day'. The aim of National Play Day is to promote play opportunities for children and young people all across the country. All 31 Local Authorities were awarded maximum funding of €3,000 for 2022.
Work has been progressed 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 has 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 conducted a mapping exercise of playgrounds, MUGA’s (multi-use games areas), skate-parks, parks, public forestry and beaches across the country was conducted in collaboration with DCU in 2018.
