Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very important that once it is published we have the opportunity for the Minister of State to come to the House. He might give us some time to discuss this very important strategy. It is very important that everyone be given the opportunity and ability to swim. Lessons are also very important.

The Minister of State referred to the issue of swimming pool stock being insufficient. That is very obvious. The real key in that regard is to have a capital project to make sure that local authorities or private entities can build the swimming pools that are required. That will involve something from the Department in respect of sports capital or another mechanism that I assume it will examine. The Minister of State might also give his views on the issue of pop-up pools, which was brought forward by Swim Ireland back in the day. I totally understand I am putting him on the spot. I appreciate that, but it is highly significant that there has been such significant movement in a very short space of time on this. What are his thoughts on what funding is required and what the nature of pop-up pools could be? It might be beneficial to the House and the general public to hear that.