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

I again thank the Senator for her contribution on this important matter, which she is very much committed to. I appreciate that this pool is first and foremost a training facility for Defence Forces personnel but it is the firm intention of the Tánaiste that nearby schools be facilitated with access in due course. The Tánaiste has requested a concentrated body of work from the officials in his Department to bring forward proposals to find a pathway to facilitate the pool being made available to nearby schools and the community. As outlined previously in the House, following representations received on the reopening of the pool, the Defence Forces were instructed to undertake an examination of the usage of the Defence Forces training centre swimming pool. That examination identified the need for significant additional resources, including additional staff and minor works, to ensure appropriately child-friendly measures are put in place.

As I said, and very much reiterate to the Senator, it is the intention of the Tánaiste that nearby schools be facilitated with access as soon as possible. He has requested a specific, concentrated body of work from his Department to bring forward proposals to him as Minister of Defence to look at the various options to provide that lifeguard capability within the Defence Forces pool to enable it to be accessible to nearby schools in the community. I will bring back the Senator's specific request and concerns about this to the Tánaiste.