Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this very important matter of an update on the upgrade works on the swimming pool at DFTC in the Curragh. She will be well aware that there is a long-standing policy in the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces to allow third-party access to Defence Forces properties to support local communities and to raise the profile of the Defence Forces among the public.

This policy extends to a large number of groups and activities, including GAA clubs, soccer clubs and numerous community groups throughout the country. As I have stated, it is the intention of the Tánaiste and Minister of Defence to ensure that, subject to the operational needs of the Defence Forces, the swimming pool at the DFTC is offered, where possible, to local schools and community groups. That is the intention and that is a positive. The investment undertake in the swimming pool complex underlines the Government's commitment to enhancing and improving the built infrastructure of the Defence Forces. Some €56 million has been allocated this year to improve the facilities where members of the Defence Forces eat, sleep, work and train.

Obviously, we very much value the work of the Defence Forces. I would like to reassure the Senator that this will remain a key priority and this is demonstrated by the priorities the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence has set out in the strategic framework.