asked the Minister for Local Government if his Department have any plans or proposals to give financial help to local voluntary committees engaged in the running of indoor heated swimming pools; if so, when he anticipates that these plans will be put into operation; and if it is intended that the funds will be channelled through county councils and other local authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Swimming Pools.
44.
I have no funds at my disposal from which I could give financial aid to local voluntary organisations for the running of swimming pools. Local authorities are however empowered to give such aid, subject to my consent, which I can say would be forthcoming for any reasonable proposal of this nature by a local authority.
Can the Minister give us any information regarding the running expenses of swimming pools because, as he is aware, the oil crisis has resulted in an enormous increase in this cost.
That is a separate question.
Can the Minister give us any information as to the number of pools which receive aid but which are closed at present?
That is a separate question.
With respect, if county councils can give aid towards the cost of swimming pools, it is relevant that we know the number of pools involved.
An Leas-Chean Comhairle
The Deputy would need to table a question to that effect.
I think my supplementary is relevant to the question tabled.
I do not think it is relevant.
Can the Minister elaborate further regarding the moneys expended by county councils on swimming pools? Under what regulations are they permitted to grant moneys towards the running of voluntary swimming pools.
Again, that is a separate question.
Arising out of the Minister's reply——
It is the Chair who is replying at the moment.
I consider my question to be relevant in the sense that some county councils are not aware of the regulations by which moneys can be expended on swimming pools and that is why I should like the Minister to elaborate on this matter.
All local authorities are aware of what they can do under this heading and I do not think there should be any doubt at all. I suggest that the Deputy ask the local authority he is interested in for the information and I am sure that authority would be delighted to give it to him.
Will the Minister say whether, in the event of local authorities adopting schemes of assistance to these people, they will get finance from his Department?
No. Apart from the normal finance which they have received if they ask for permission to make finance available any reasonable proposal of this nature will be approved. I did not say that they will get the finance.
It will be approved but not financed?
Yes.
Is the Minister in a position to indicate his attitude in regard to local authorities taking over the running of these voluntary pools?
That is a separate question but if the Deputy puts down a question to that effect I will give him a reply.
In my question I asked if it was intended that funds will be channelled through county councils and other local authorities?
It is not.