asked the Minister for Local Government the number of public swimming baths in the State; and whether he considers this number adequate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Swimming Baths.
18.
The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. I am, however, aware that more swimming pools are needed and in fact 11 pools have been released for commencement since June, 1967. In addition tentative commitments have been entered into in respect of two further pools. As I indicated in reply to a question on 20th June last year, I could not feel justified in taking on further commitments in respect of additional pools until reasonable progress has been made with the pools already agreed.
Is the Minister seriously telling the House that he is unaware of or unable to give me the information regarding how many public swimming pools there are in this State?
Yes.
He is unable to do so? That shows his consideration for the problem. I contend that in Dublin city there are three public swimming pools and that that is a disgraceful situation and that his Department have done nothing about the matter for years. The position in Belfast is much better in regard to the number of pools in the whole State. Here we have less than a dozen——
The Deputy seems to be giving information rather than asking for it.
Surely the Deputy is entitled to give information which the Minister refused to give?
The Deputy is not entitled to give information, he is entitled to ask supplementary questions.
Surely he is entitled to insist that the Minister answer the appropriate question in a proper manner?
The Chair has no responsibility for Minister's questions.
(Interruptions.)