Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Outdoor Education Centres.

Ulick Burke

Question:

92 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation has transferred the section of its grant allocation to outdoor education centres to his Department; if so, the reason in this regard; if a new section has been created within his Department to process these applications or if it has been allocated to an existing section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14936/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Prior to the transfer of functions, outdoor education centres were dealt with by the sports section of the Department of Education.

On the transfer of responsibility for sport to the Department of Toursim, Sport and Recreation, my Department retained responsibility for outdoor education centres principally because of the involvement of the vocational education committees with the centres. Accordingly, the financial provision relating to the centres has remained with my Department. However, the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation has retained provision for existing capital projects.

It has not been found necessary to set up a new section within my Department to deal with the centres. The organisational arrangements for dealing with this area of work are at present being reviewed by my Department.