18 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence when resources will be made available for the provision of a new gymnasium at the Naval Base at Haulbowline, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A drill hall at the Naval Base at Haulbowline is used as a gymnasium at present and there is no proposal to provide a new gymnasium there.

I take this opportunity to thank the officer in charge and the staff of Haulbowline for receiving Deputy Sherlock and myself there on 18 May, with the Minister's good offices. One of the highlights of the visit was the visit to the dilapidated gymnasium. Would the Minister not accept that for some years now there have been on file in his Department proposals for the provision of a new gymnasium? While for the moment there is no intention of providing this gymnasium is there any prospect of providing one or is it a lost cause?

There is merit in Deputies visiting these establishments. I am glad of Deputy McCartan's constructive approach I do not want to give a facile answer. There is no immediate proposal but in the long term obviously a gymnasium will be covered in the proposed new fishery protection school at Ringaskiddy; that is beside Haulbowline.

How much later?

That will happen in conjunction with the fishery protection school there.