Rory O'Hanlon
Question:436 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will recognise and provide funding for Tanagh outdoor centre for revenue costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5532/02]
Written Answers. - Outdoor Education Centres.
Rory O'Hanlon
Question:437 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a proposal for the provision of a suitable premises for Tanagh outdoor centre; the position of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5533/02]
Seymour Crawford
Question:440 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the recognition for funding purposes of Tanagh outdoor education centre at Dartry, Rockcorry, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5574/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 436, 437 and 440 together.
Currently my Department provides annual grants towards the cost of staffing and equipment in respect of nine recognised VEC outdoor education centres. An expansion in the number of grant-aided VEC outdoor education centres to include three operational outdoor education centres, which are not currently in receipt of funding, is under consideration in my Department. Tanagh outdoor centre is one of the centres being considered at present.
Negotiations between officials of my Department and various representatives of the staff of the recognised outdoor education centres regarding their status, salary, terms and conditions of employment are at a crucial stage. The Deputies will appreciate that the regularisation of the staffing position within the centres will represent a major improvement in the operation of those centres. Such a development, while undoubtedly welcome, will have significant cost implications for the centres and any new arrangements agreed will impact on the future budgetary planning and funding strategy for VEC outdoor education centres. It is in this context that the question of recognising other centres will be addressed.
Last year County Monaghan VEC requested my Department to provide capital funding towards the purchase of land on which it was proposed to develop new premises for Tanagh outdoor education centre. Under the sports capital programme my Department had provided capital funding towards the development of some recog nised outdoor education centres. The sports capital programme, however, was relocated to the Department of Tourism, Sports and Recreation in 1997.