Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider providing financial assistance to communities to meet the costs of insurance, supervision, heating, lighting and so on, of parochial halls and schools during out of school hours in parishes to provide young persons with a viable social alternative to the public house. [22968/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not intend to provide the funding outlined in the Deputy's question. However, the National Children's Office, under the auspices of my Department, is currently developing a recreation policy for young people aged 12 to 18 years. The policy will deal with recreation opportunities funded by the State. As part of the process, consideration will be given as to how best to utilise existing facilities such as school premises, sports halls and so forth.

A public consultation was launched by my colleague, Deputy Brian Lenihan, the Minister of State with responsibility for children, on May 2005. The results are expected in the autumn. In addition, a steering group has been established to oversee and guide the development of policy. The group, chaired by the National Children's Office, has representatives from key Departments, local authorities and the Irish Sports Council.