Nessa Cosgrove (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask about the national play policy. The Government has committed to a child poverty strategy.

The issue of local authority direct funding for the upkeep of play parks came up earlier. This ties in with the Vienna model which has play areas within each housing estate. Many of the play parks are run down and the local authorities do not have the money to do them up. One thing we could do is ensure there is a stream of funding just for the upkeep of play parks or recreational parks. Kids are playing in dirt because there is nothing at all. Insurance costs for using schools after hours are crazy. Public buildings such as schools should be able to be used by anyone, regardless. Primary schools have to take out public liability insurance. Most children do and that covers them for 24 hours. Many of the schools would agree that these buildings should be used for after-school use.