asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware of the desirability of ensuring that every child in Ireland shall have the opportunity to learn how to look after itself in the water as a normal part of its education; and whether he will, through the medium of the schools, actively foster this outlook through the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Swimming and Live-Saving Courses for Children.
30.
I presume that what the Deputy has in mind is that children should receive instruction in swimming and life-saving. I agree that it is desirable that such instruction should be given wherever possible. The school authorities are aware of my Department's interest in the matter and I am satisfied that these authorities generally are providing such instruction for their pupils where qualified instructors and the necessary facilities are available to them.
Is the Minister aware that on 11th June, 1956, a motion was adopted by Dublin City Council whereby sites could be made available, I take it, to either residential associations or other public bodies such as school authorities, either free or at a nominal charge, and that the Dublin Corporation is empowered, as a result of this resolution, to give technical and, if necessary, material assistance to the erection of such swimming pools? In view of this, would the Minister encourage various schools to proceed with the erection of swimming pools in connection, perhaps, with each individual school?