Ciarán Cannon (Progressive Democrats)

I understand this €1.7 million is coming from the local authority swimming pool programme pool of funds. The Minister of State said that given the budgetary constraints, it is not intended to launch a new round of the swimming programme at this time and that the matter would be reviewed again later this year. He said Galway County Council has been in discussions with the Department and that it hopes the €1.7 million will be allocated. Are they two distinct issues?

The Minister of State also said consideration of this proposal is at an advanced stage in the Department. In May 2007, Deputy Treacy, the Minister of State's party colleague, told us the money had been sanctioned and that he was delighted to have achieved a conclusion for this project. How can something confirmed as concluded in May 2007 continue to be at an advanced stage in May 2009?