Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is 8.50 p.m. so we are all right.

Mr. Nugent, as a Deputy elected for Tipperary and a Dáil representative, my role is to uphold the Constitution, legislate and, as part of the Committee of Public Accounts, to investigate these matters. I represent Templemore. I am very proud of Templemore. It is a fantastic town, to which the Garda College is central. I want to see the college grow and investment is necessary to provide specialist training to Garda and a whole range of other things.

While there is huge public confidence, in the last few weeks there have been changes in the relationship with the people of Templemore. The local community no longer has access to the swimming pool. The ladies' football team has been thrown off the pitches. There are a number of other issues. In fairness, on 4 May Mr. Nugent said he needed to get his ducks in a row as regards the issues. I agree with him on that because they are probably ad hocat the moment. For God's sake, though, could he put in some interim procedures to allow the people of Templemore access to facilities, particularly when the gardaí are not using them? That is the right thing to do. The Garda College contributes hugely to the local economy. The local people embrace the college, welcome it and work with it, and do everything in that spirit. Could Mr. Nugent please ensure they have access to the facilities?