asked the Minister for Education if she will accept the undertaking of the previous Government to provide funding for the Cappanalea outdoor pursuits centre in Killorglin, County Kerry; and if she will honour the undertaking given by her predecessor, in view of the fact that the centre will close almost immediately in the absence of promised funding, leading to the loss of several jobs and a valuable amenity for the area.
Written Answers. - Outdoor Education Centres.
600.
Arising from an undertaking by the previous Government on 23 December 1986 that funding would be provided from the National Lottery for Cappanalea outdoor education centre, a submission was made by the former Minister with responsibility for sport to the former Minister for Finance on 19 January 1987 requesting funding for outdoor education centres, including Cappanalea, from the National Lottery. The approval of the former Minister for Finance of this proposal had not been given, however, prior to the change of Government on 10 March 1987.
Subject to the availability of adequate funding from the National Lottery, it will be my intention to make funds available for the running of Cappanalea outdoor education centre.
601.
asked the Minister for Education the finance which will be made available to ensure the continued operation of Sheilbeggan outdoor pursuits centre, County Wexford; if she will ensure that either proceeds of the National Lottery or another financial mechanism can be procured so that this excellent facility is maintained; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Due to the public service staff embargo, it has not been possible to provide the staffing resources required to run Sheilbeggan and a number of other outdoor education centres which have been developed by vocational education committees in recent years.
Being conscious, however, of the importance of outdoor education I will be examining the possibility of maintaining Sheilbeggan outdoor education centre in the light of funding for sport which will be coming available from the National Lottery.