Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is worth noting that in 2004, there were 168 public playgrounds in the country and now there are 900 spread throughout the country. There is now a much greater awareness of the benefits of such facilities on the part of local authorities. As Deputy Buttimer said, there is a need for joined up thinking on this matter. There is a need to focus on this area and all Deputies can play a part in this regard by highlighting why these services and facilities are so essential for children and families. Local authorities have an important role in providing these facilities.

The establishment of the network has been important because some local authorities are doing more than others. There is certainly room for a national initiative to develop this kind of play and recreational facilities. Deputy Buttimer is a member of the Joint Committee on Health and Children and he will be aware of the research on the serious health problems of very young children. We need to ensure a variety of interventions are in place to interrupt that trend. If not, there will be significant implications for the national health policy and for the children themselves.

See this speech in context