§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what respects his Department makes provision for the recreational needs of children either directly or through organisations or bodies it supports.
§ Mr. ScottRecreational facilities are provided by a number of Northern Ireland Departments. The Department of Education pays grants to district councils and voluntary bodies for the provision of recreational and sporting facilities for the community. Specific provision for children includes playgrounds and play centres. In the past seven years, grants totalling £28 million have been made available. Facilities such as playing fields and gymnasia are provided through education and library boards and voluntary schools authorities.
Over the past four years, at a total cost approaching £1 million a special summer opportunity scheme has been organised, to provide activity during school holidays. Coaching courses are arranged by various governing bodies of sport, including the Sports Council for Northern Ireland.
The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education make a joint grant to the young farmers clubs of Ulster. The Department of Agriculture runs an annual schools fishing competition for all secondary technical and grammar schools. The forest service provides a range of forest exhibits, youth camp sites, arboreta and nature trails.