Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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160. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to consider and support the recommencement of children’s swimming lessons in Templemore Garda College’s swimming pool on Friday evenings, organised and managed by the community for the community, on a not-for-profit basis, following results of a survey conducted locally of parents in Templemore (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17102/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The swimming pool in the Garda Training College is part of the facilities of the College. The principal use of these facilities are for the College, but they can be made available to other community groups or schools, where appropriate.

Any decisions relating to the use of the facilities at the College are a matter for the College authorities. The OPW is consulted in relation to any potential impact on the property, or to sign the legal licensing documentation on foot of a recommendation from the College authorities to proceed with a licence agreement.

Therefore, the decision on any such applications are for the College authorities and, if they determine that a licence may be awarded, will request the OPW to formally grant the licence. The guidelines on the use of the facilities are also issued by the College authorities.

While the OPW is consulted as the property owner, the Garda authorities must take account of issues relating to the efficient use of the property and related administration/running costs, in their decisions around the use of the facilities. The OPW has no difficulty in supporting a licensing process, but this must be cognisant of the above and the views of the Garda authorities as occupiers of the Garda College complex.