Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

It is intended that a list of further improvements will be agreed with the operators, to be put in place as quickly as possible. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, who is responsible for putting a state-of-the-art aquatic centre in place at Abbotstown, has made an unprecedented level of investment in sports facilities throughout the country. The National Aquatic Centre has drawn well deserved admiration from those who have visited it and used its facilities.

We heard complaints for many years about this country's lack of proper sporting infrastructure. The Government has made a tangible contribution in this field since 1997 by providing for capital investment in sports facilities of more than €600 million. The Government developed the National Aquatic Centre to provide a 50-metre pool for Ireland's needs and specifically to provide a suitable location for the aquatic events of the Special Olympics World Summer Games, which was achieved to universal acclaim.

This wonderful facility provides a fantastic service to Deputy Burton's constituents, who are fortunate enough to have it on their doorsteps. Almost 1 million people visited the centre in its first year of operations, making it one of the top attractions in Ireland. It will continue to be a leading facility because it is planned to make its service even better by improving the facility further. Particular emphasis will be placed on providing the best possible service to people with disabilities, so that they can use it to the same extent as everyone else who enjoys the aquatic centre.

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