asked the Minister for Defence the improvements that have been made with regard to the condition of the Army sports grounds and pavilion in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Sports Ground.
14.
The property referred to by the Deputy is held on licence by the Army Athletic Association from the Office of Public Works. The condition of the sports ground is satisfactory.
Maintenance of the pavilion is very difficult because of vandalism, and the age of the structure. The association are examining the question of what improvements can be made.
Will the Minister give some priority to improving conditions here, which are far from adequate?
I should like to remind the Deputy of two things. The first is that the condition of the sports ground is, in my view, excellent. It is better than satisfactory, Secondly, the matter of the pavilion is one between the Board of Works and the Army Athletic Association. I would be loathe to make, shall I say, even guidelines for the Army Athletic Association, an extremely good body, able to look after themselves. I think we would leave it to them. We have various troubles with vandalism.
Surely the Minister would agree that its condition is in need of improvement?
Yes, but it is not one of the places for which I am responsible.
Is it a matter for the Minister for Finance?
No, for the Army Athletic Association.