asked the Minister for Education if he proposes to make the swimming pools at Tallaght and Blanchardstown Community Schools, County Dublin, available to the public; and, if so, when the pools will be available for such use.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Swimming Pools.
81.
Mr. R. Burke
The intention is to make these swimming pools available to the public. Discussions are at present proceeding between the Department of Education and the Dublin County Council with a view to arriving at agreement on the appropriate arrangements to be made for this purpose.
Discussions have been taking place for some time between the Minister's Department and council officials. Is the Minister in a position to say what progress has been made? This matter has been outstanding for a long time. The swimming pools are lying idle and the children of the two areas are badly in need of swimming pools. Can the Minister say when the swimming pools will be made available to the public?
Mr. R. Burke
They will be available to the public when Dublin County Council make appropriate arrangements with the Department of Education for the financing of the complex.
Is there not a problem with regard to financing the payment of the staff there? Is the Department of Education not anxious that Dublin County Council meet these requirements? Surely the Department of Education have some responsibility in this matter?
Mr. R. Burke
The Department of Education have responsibility for certain aspects of the complex.
Would the Minister like to say precisely at what stage are the negotiations between his Department and Dublin County Council?
Mr. R. Burke
Some weeks ago we invited the manager of Dublin County Council to come in and discuss the matter with us. The matter has progressed but not to my total satisfaction.