Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I recognise the procedure whereby applications are made to the Sports Council. However, I ask the Minister to look positively on Swim Ireland, an organisation which has been checked out in the various reports etc., carried out. If the Minister looks positively on Swim Ireland, it will result in corporate Ireland looking more favourably on it than at present. Many youngsters are involved in swimming and there are swimming pools everywhere, which is welcome. However, there is a need for the Minister to state that Swim Ireland is a well organised organisation which cares for its members. It is not all about getting money from the Sports Council. The positivity provided to the general public, businesses and the corporate structure is the real making of Swim Ireland. I was more than impressed by the Swim Ireland officials the day they appeared before the joint committee. I hope the Minister is in a position to say he believes Swim Ireland is ready to move forward.

See this speech in context