Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I rise to support Senator Quinn's proposal for the provision of facilities for physical activity to promote a healthy lifestyle in principle. Not many people would disagree with it so I await clarity from the Minister of State on the stance of the Department with interest. Section 24 provides for a wider definition of public infrastructure and facilities to reflect newer infrastructural requirements. One of the newer requirements we have witnessed is that of facilities for physical activity. In saying that, I commend the local authority in my area, Dublin City Council, which has assisted with other joint ventures to maximise the potential of existing facilities that are under-utilised and to bring on and roll out new facilities. I can speak only for my own local authority. I shall not list them tonight but in a number of instances and within a stone's throw of where I reside a multi-million euro facility is being developed in a joint venture.

Perhaps the Minister of State will clarify the position regarding the sustainable communities agenda and other policy developments such as the developing areas initiative. What is included concerning facilities for physical activity? In all the years of experience between the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and local authorities has any model of suitable density been recognised by the Department as one that would accommodate all that is required? This includes what was mentioned, which we all support, namely, school sites, infrastructural development, broadband provision and, as we speak, flood relief works. The last is required in my constituency. Has any type of density model been accepted and recognised as self-sustaining, requiring all the ingredients one would understand to be required?

It is important we should acknowledge in some form the need for facilities for physical activity. On the other hand, as a person who had a stint in the Department of Health and Children, we promoted this issue under health awareness as the importance of physical activity. If we are to do this in one part of Government policy, are we going to implement it in others? I look forward to the Minister of State clarifying the position with regard to the three items I mentioned, namely, the sustainable communities agenda, the development areas initiative and the suitable model for sustainable densities.