Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the important strides the Minister of State talked about regarding the built infrastructure of the Defence Forces and some of the areas he has mentioned. Significantly, the €55 million to improve built infrastructure is incredibly important. The infrastructure will include the new cadet school, new engineering stores, the garaging facilities and, next year, the Army Ranger Wing headquarters and the military college auditorium suite. However, I want to focus on what the Minister of State said about circumstances since the establishment of the Defence Forces. He referred to the long-standing practice of granting access to local sports organisations, schools and local community groups. This is very important. It is partly why Kildare people are so proud to have the Defence Forces and Curragh Camp in their county. The tradition has served members of the Defence Forces and the communities very well. I want to see the practice continuing.

I note what the Minister of State said about current safety concerns regarding the pool. I would like a little more clarity on that. I would like the Minister of State to relay my points to the Minister. The Minister of State said the matter is under consideration and that a report will be submitted to the Department. I hope that, in a supplementary response, he will be able to give a timeline for this because it is a really important issue.