An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022

Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Questions (302, 303, 304)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

302. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54397/22]

Jackie Cahill

Question:

303. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it is the Garda authorities or the OPW that has the decision-making ability to reverse and revise the policy not to grant licences for use of the Templemore pool to commercial and profit-making groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54398/22]

Jackie Cahill

Question:

304. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether it is justifiable to potentially permit a group to offer lifesaving, lifeguarding, swimming, and water safety courses in the swimming pool in Templemore Garda college if they are not a commercial or profit-making entity, but to refuse a group the same licence that offers lifesaving, lifeguarding, swimming, and water safety courses in the swimming pool in Templemore Garda college if they are a commercial or profit-making entity, given the local need for these life skills and life-saving courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54401/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 302 to 304, inclusive, together.

The swimming pool in the Garda Training College is part of the facilities of the College. The principal use of these facilities are for the College, but they can be made available to other community groups or schools, where appropriate.

Any decisions relating to the use of the facilities at the College are a matter for the College authorities. The OPW is consulted in relation to any potential impact on the property, or to sign the legal licensing documentation on foot of a recommendation from the College authorities to proceed with a licence agreement.

Therefore, the decision on any such applications are for the College authorities and, if they determine that a licence may be awarded, will request the OPW to formally grant the licence. The guidelines on the use of the facilities are also issued by the College authorities.

While the OPW is consulted as the property owner, the Garda authorities must take account of issues relating to the efficient use of the property and related administration/running costs, in their decisions around the use of the facilities. The OPW has no difficulty in supporting a licensing process, but this must be cognisant of the above and the views of the Garda authorities as occupiers of the Garda College complex.

In general, such State-owned facilities have been accessible on a not-for-profit basis in line with the views of the Garda authorities. If there is a decision taken by the College to move to more commercial use of the facilities, it is likely that it would require a transparent tender process for such services, with the relevant resources assigned in the College to manage that process. If the Garda College authorities wish to alter the arrangements around the licensing process, or the opening and closing of the facility, the OPW will consider how it may assist them, subject to resources and to ensuring that the property is protected.

Question No. 303 answered with Question No. 302.

Question No. 304 answered with Question No. 302.