Vol. 468 No. 4
540 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the immediate steps, if any, she will take to ensure that a 50 metre swimming pool is provided in Ireland in view of the success of Michelle Smith in the Olympic Games; if so, if this swimming pool will be provided and built in honour of Michelle Smith's achievement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15964/96]
544 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Education if the Government will now ensure that a 50 metre pool is provided in this country as a matter of urgency in view of the unique success of Ms Michelle Smith at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta; the current position pertaining to the provision of this pool; the proposed location; the cost of this development; when it will be commissioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16024/96]
I propose to take Question Nos. 540 and 544 together.
As I outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question 117 of 15 February 1996, proposals for the provision of a 50 metre swimming pool are under consideration in my Department. A project of this scale requires very careful and detailed consideration before any decision can be made in the matter in view of the overall capital and operating costs involved. In this regard I would refer the Deputies to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 36 of 13 December 1995 which gives details of the costs involved.
It would be prudent at this stage to await the recommendations of the sports strategy group which was appointed by my colleague Deputy Allen, Minister with responsibility for Sport to develop a strategy for sport in Ireland. The group is due to report later this year.
