Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I am not aware that such a policy is widespread. It was only one school that came to my attention in this regard. There is no record in the Department of complaints from parents in this respect. I do not believe such a policy is widespread. Where it exists, it is based on fear rather than a genuine reality that children will pose a grave danger to themselves.

The adoption of a "no ball" policy in one school was reported recently where children were not allowed to play in the area because of the grass being out of bounds or some other reason, but that is different from children running around a school yard. I see no reason for such a policy.

There is a supervision package in place where teachers are able to supervise children before and after school and during break-time. That supervision package in one year alone cost €54 million. Therefore, the supervision aspect is covered. All the schools have public liability insurance. Therefore, the insurance aspect is covered. The upgrading of play areas has been happening over a number of years, not only through our building fund but through CLÁR and RAPID. Money has been allocated to even the smallest of country schools to enable them to upgrade the surfaces of playgrounds. Last year alone 447 schools were provided with outdoor play areas. Therefore, it is not as if the bad condition of the play area could be a cause of concern. In terms of the play area and the supervision and insurance aspects, there is no reason for a "no running" policy to be in place.

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