Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response regarding the process we must go through to try to ensure common sense prevails when it comes to this issue. That is what we are trying to do here. Common sense must prevail when we are looking at a community-run project of this nature that has such a benefit to the entire community. The way swimming pools are rated is an issue we probably need to start looking at on a national policy level. We need to have more swimming pools and more swimming lessons. I have had people contact me to say they could get tickets for the Bruce Springsteen concerts faster than they can get swimming lessons for their kids. We need to ensure swimming pool complexes are more attractive for investors. The rates applied to swimming pool complexes need to be looked at because we have to get kids into swimming pools to teach them a skill for life. The Government needs to change its approach by promoting activities in the water and ensuring everyone can swim.

Perhaps the Minister of State or Minister will have an opportunity to visit Baltimore some day and see the wonderful swimming pool complex. It is a wonderful example of a community working hard to provide something society needs, namely, a swimming pool. This is a debate we need to have as a country. At some stage, the Minister of State may find time in his diary to come down to Baltimore. It is a beautiful part of the world, as he knows. We will show him a wonderful complex but we will also show him what we need, which is a slight change in approach to ensure complexes like this are viable going forward.