Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

There is a need for joined-up thinking on the interaction with the Department of Education and Science. All of the sporting groups that have recently come before the committee have spoken to us about the duplication of resources in a small town or a parish, where two or three halls might be available. There is a need to put in a place a system where people can find out why the school hall already in place cannot be used throughout the summer by sporting groups. It seems to be a huge waste of an available resource.

It may require some discussion, negotiation and possibly some financial exchanges of a modest variety. Community halls and school halls are publicly funded facilities and there is a need to open them up to the public.

See this speech in context