asked the Minister for Justice the original estimated cost of the swimming pool in the Garda Síochána Depot in Templemore, County Tipperary; the actual cost to date including the cost of repairs thereto and maintenance thereon; whether any defects have been found therein; if so, the nature and cause thereof; the number of days on which it has been used for swimming since it was officially opened; and why it has not been used more often.

It was originally estimated in 1962 that the cost of the pool, excluding the architects' fees, would be £53,000. The final cost, which may be around £59,000, cannot be stated accurately at present as the final accounts have not yet been completed. No expense has been incurred on repairs or maintenance. There were defects in the water-heating system and in the air heaters and these were repaired without cost to the State.

Since the pool was completed in July, 1965 there has been a considerable loss of water from it. Repairs carried out to date have not succeeded in eliminating the defects and my Department is pursuing the matter actively with the architects. Because of the defects the pool has not been used since it was officially opened.

As the Minister officially opened this white elephant will he now consider closing it before there is any further public money wasted on a pool which is unable to hold water?

There is no question of its being a white elephant and I want to reject the implication in the Deputy's remark. This is a technical matter which is being actively worked out with the architects and contractors. I can assure the Deputy and the House that as far as the State is concerned, there will be no loss eventually in the matter.

Am I to understand that they have not yet found a solution for the hole at the bottom of the pool? What guarantee can the Minister give that they will find a solution?

The only guarantee I can give is that in that event I will pursue the whole legal procedure open to me. The State will be at no loss.

It is only another £59,000. You are throwing away so much nowadays that it does not matter.

I have legal remedies at my disposal and the Deputy knows that well.

It is plain to be seen from the attitude of the Opposition——

Is this a question?

This is not a question.

We know where the hole is.

It would be better if Deputy Fanning went down and plugged the hole.

Is the Minister aware that I can assure him that the business people of Templemore——

This is not a question.

What have the business people to do with it?

The Deputy should go and plug the hole and then drown himself in the pool.

If the Guards jumped in, they would break their crowns.