John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

The Government supports swimming which is clear from the construction of the National Aquatic Centre and the Olympic size pool at the University of Limerick. Under the swimming pools programme, 23 swimming pools around the country have been completed since 2000. Some 15 more are under construction.

In regard to Swim Ireland and its allocation, Deputy Wall will be aware that its funding comes from the Sports Council as this is a revenue matter. The Sports Council's funding has been increased significantly from €40.9 million last year to €49.025 million this year. That represents an increase of approximately 20% over last year which is particularly significant. It is open to Swim Ireland, as it is to every other national governing body, to make an application to the Sports Council for funding. Clearly, Swim Ireland believes it requires a greater degree of funding than before and it is open to it to make its application in the context which Deputy Wall outlined. Hopefully, the Sports Council will look at that matter favourably.

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