asked the Minister for Education when he will be in a position to provide a 50 metre Olympic swimming pool in Ireland; when the national sports centre will be established; if he will instruct the national sports centre committee to formally consider the question of the pool; if he will appoint a swimming representative to the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - 50 Metre Olympic Swimming Pool.
210.
The committee appointed to examine the requirements of a national sports centre has been examining the needs of the entire range of indoor and outdoor sports, including swimming, over the past number of months. The committee will be presenting its report to me at an early date.
The timing of the establishment of a national sports centre and the question of the provision of a 50 metre swimming pool, should such provision be recommended by the committee, are matters which will be decided upon following consideration of the committee's report.
The members of the committee were appointed on the basis of their interest in and commitment to sport, their professional backgrounds and also having regard to their expertise to recommend the provision of facilities which would best serve the Irish community. The Deputy will appreciate that sports could not be represented individually on the committee.