asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider providing further sailing vessels for training at Waterford, Cork and Galway to supplement the highly successful programme now being carried out with State assistance by the Asgard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sailing Vessels for Training.
9.
I do not contemplate any extension of the sailing programme which is exclusively associated with the use of the Asgard.
Is the Minister not aware that the activities associated with the Asgard have been highly successful and that boys and girls have been instructed very successfully in sailing on the vessel? Ours is an island country but it would appear that boys and girls in the 16 to 18 age group in Cork, Waterford and Galway are being deprived of the opportunity of this instruction and recreation. Should not the amount voted for sport be devoted in part towards an extension of the Asgard programme? Therefore, would the Minister not consider having available another vessel or two?
The sailing programme was developed as a practical method of making use of the Asgard but the decision was not arrived at on the basis that the State would provide specifically a programme of training for the people. The decision related to the use of the Asgard.
Would the Minister not agree that sailing is a sport and a recreation——
Yes.
——and that the question of extending the sailing programme by having other boats in Cork, Galway and Waterford should be something to be contemplated? Why does the Minister refuse point blank?
I have spoken of this in relation to a specific programme. What the Deputy has in mind is the allocation towards sport, but he will be aware that that is not dealt with by me.
By whom is it dealt with?
The Minister for Education.