Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply. It is heartening that 25 local authorities have participated in the national play day initiative. I hope the Minister will make this initiative compulsory in order that all local authorities will become involved with it. The committee of which Deputy Ó Caoláin and I are members is dealing with the issue of obesity. In that context, it is imperative to highlight the fact that access to play and recreational facilities, particularly those provided by local authorities, has major benefits from the point of view of promoting healthy lifestyles and developing children's self-esteem and their sense of self-identity. It also has economic benefits which can help to reduce the State's expenditure on health and ensure that health care facilities will no longer be clogged up with unfit people.

We have taken a step in the right direction. It must be incumbent on local authorities and developers to provide play areas in new estates. There needs to be a joined up approach. This is a very important piece of work which will have long-term positive advantages for our nation.

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