Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I have to ask where the report is. There has been no engagement with local stakeholders. This is the reality of the situation. I fully accept Tusla's core competencies in respect of looking after children, but is there a greater gift to give to a child than the opportunity to learn how to swim? The wonderful thing about most activities in the water is that in many cases mobility issues as a result of a disability are greatly reduced. Exercise is often a challenging topic for an individual with a mental or physical disability. Swimming, though, is not only fun and rewarding but also a great way to keep fit and healthy, and without the challenges that would normally be found with outdoor exercise or in a gym environment. The nearby Clonmel swimming pool is at full capacity. There is a five-year waiting list for swimming lessons. I again urge the Minister of State to intervene, to engage with the facilities manager in Tusla and reconsider this disheartening decision. I am calling for the exploration of all possible options, whether through investment, refurbishment or other interim measures that will allow this critical facility to be brought back into use as it has been for the last 25 years, with 500 children a week, some of them with disabilities, getting lessons.

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