Vol. 568 No. 1
461 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the advice his Department will make available for the running of swimming pools following the recent publication of research regarding the damaging health effects related to the use of chlorine as a disinfectant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15785/03]
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, capital grants of up to €3.8 million are available towards the refurbishment of existing pools or the provision of new pools. My Department has no role, however, in respect of the day to day running of such pools. This is a matter for the local authority in whose administrative area the pool is located.
Local authorities must have regard to the procedures for the planning, approval and financing of swimming pools and technical guidelines. Since 1986, these guidelines have provided that chlorine disinfection should not be installed in new pools. In the case of older pools, where gaseous chlorine disinfection is used, the guidelines set out recommended specific technical standards to ensure safe bathing conditions.
I will have the recent reports examined by the relevant technical authorities to see if the guidelines need amendment in this area.
