Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I do not disagree with the Deputy. I take a strong view regarding the value of sport, in all its guises, for young people. Many Members enjoyed participating in sport when they were much younger. It makes a huge contribution in the context of people's general health, their development of social and interactional skills and the way in which they mature.

Some 57 applications were received under the current round of the programme. Some 37 pools have been completed and opened, eight are under construction and a further 12 are at various stages of development. I am not in a position to open a new round at present. As stated, however, the resources are in place to allow the completion of projects under the current round. When that is done, resources permitting, I would like to commence a new round because the swimming pool programme adds enormously to communities. There is no age barrier to swimming. People of all ages and genders can use swimming pools and obtain major benefits from doing so.

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