Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Would the Taoiseach see a role for a greater partnership between the Defence Forces and local communities? For example, gymnasia could be used by communities when the Defence Forces are not using them. Personnel from the Defence Forces, such as physical trainers or educators, could work with teachers from local schools or supervise classes. It would be a practical way of using a national resource.

Recently, the Defence Forces built a state-of-the-art gymnasium in the Curragh for €6 million, but when it is not being used by the military, it is not being used by the locals. Before the last election, the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, promised a new gymnasium in Limerick to the value of €10 million or some such. If it ever comes to fruition, it will be an ideal opportunity to allow people from Moyross, South Hill and other places in Limerick to use it for fitness and physical education classes and so on.

See this speech in context