Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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528. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a grant or funding is available to assist an organisation (details supplied) [46886/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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A capital grant funding scheme for play and recreation was introduced in 2013 to provide capital funding to support new and existing play and recreation facilities for children and young people. The total amount of funding made available each year is €250,000. A maximum grant of €20,000 is allocated to each Local Authority. Applications are invited through the membership of the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network for projects which provide:

- New and innovative play and recreation spaces and facilities (New and innovative projects can include new facilities, equipment, designs and/or the utilisation of non-traditional play spaces)

- Refurbishment or upgrading of existing play and recreation spaces and facilities

I strongly support the ideal of all children having access to play facilities. Accessibility and safety are key criteria for funding under my Department's Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation. The relevant criteria are:

A. All facilities and equipment funded under the DCYA Capital Grant Funding Scheme for Play and Recreation 2015 must be accessibleto children and young people with special needs

B. All facilities and equipment funded under the DCYA Capital Grant Funding Scheme for Play and Recreation 2015 must be youth-friendly and safe

Unfortunately my Department does not have a mechanism to provide funding for play facilities other than through this Capital Grant Scheme.

We will continue to stipulate, however, that all facilities funded under the DCYA Capital Grant Funding Scheme for Play and Recreation are accessible to all children.