(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Local Government if Dublin Corporation have submitted any proposals for the provision of playing fields and leisure amenities in the Dublin 8 district and the central city area.

No such proposals have been submitted to my Department.

(Dublin Central): I am sure the Minister is aware of the total lack of amenities in the centre of this city. Would he urge Dublin Corporation to take some positive steps to provide these amenities?

Dublin Corporation have informed me that proposals of this kind are normally financed from the rates and the question of submission to my Department does not arise. If Dublin Corporation representatives consider that they should be provided, they would ask the corporation to provide them and they would be dealt with in that way. As I said, this is not a matter which is dealt with by the Department and I have no function in the matter, much as I sympathise with the Deputy's ideas that playing fields are very necessary.

(Dublin Central): The Minister will agree that the increasing vandalism in this city is due in no small measure to the lack of these amenities for young children.

I go part of the way with the Deputy but I do not think that is the whole question.