Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 23 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 5

Written Answers. - Physical Education Facilities.

John Perry

Ceist:

265 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 651 of 2 November 1999 regarding the swimming programme in St. Joseph's special school, Ballytivnan, Sligo, the steps, if any, taken to ensure that this school will be included in the recent announcement that swimming will be free for all national school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8641/00]

Minister for Education and Science

(Dr. Woods): As was stated in reply to the Deputy's earlier question, my Department does not fund extra curricular activities undertaken by special schools, such as the school in question. The funding of such activities is a matter for the school authorities.

I understand that the announcement to which the Deputy refers may relate to comments made at a briefing provided by the Irish Watersafety Association. However, I understand that there are no plans at present to provide free swimming for all national school children.