asked the Minister for Education if finance will be continued under the Teamwork scheme for Sheilbaggan outdoor pursuits centre in County Wexford; and if he will arrange the necessary funding to ensure continued operation of the centre.
202.
Written Answers. - Teamwork Scheme.
201.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that Sheilbaggan outdoor pursuits centre will be funded until December 1986 and that beyond that date no arrangements have yet been made to ensure its continuation; if he is aware of the tremendous educational, social and economic benefit to the country from this centre; if he will immediately make funds available to the centre to prevent its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
The Teamwork scheme is administered by the Department of Labour. Under the revised conditions of the Teamwork scheme grant-aid is available to voluntary non-profit making organisations. Outdoor pursuit centres, which are operated by vocational education committees, will not qualify for assistance under the scheme in 1987.
I am not in a position to make additional funds immediately available for the operation of outdoor pursuit centres. The matter of outdoor pursuit centres will be further pursued with the relevant authorities as part of the gradual implementation of the proposals in the White Paper, In Partnership With Youth, and in the light of resources available.