Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to put on the record that Ireland has one of the best anti-doping programmes in the world. The Irish Sports Council spends €18,000 a week on testing. We are playing our part, but we need to examine ways and means of targeting illegal drugs coming into the country.

The issue of dual careers was raised. We support GAA players, through the Irish Sports Council, and the players fund we put in place. An average of about €500 per year per player is paid. There is a €6 million Irish Sports Council programme in place for elite athletes. We are playing our part.

I hope we can get another round of sports capital funding. My priority is to target it at grassroots level. As we did the last time, shared facilities will be prioritised. The day when we could have facilities in universities, colleges or schools which were not open to the general public are gone. If taxpayers' money is being provided for such facilities, we should open them up to make sure they are shared. GAA or soccer clubs should make their facilities available for schools. If colleges and universities are not closed at weekends and for three months during the summer, their facilities should be made freely available if they are in receipt of taxpayers' money.

If we receive another round of sports capital funding I will re-examine grassroots organisations. What was said was quite correct, namely, that small amounts of money are required and small facilities need basic things like dressing rooms and playing facilities of a fairly good standard. In the last round of funding I eliminated the building of stands; those days are gone and we no longer have the resources and money. It is about participation and making facilities available for young boys and girls to give them the opportunity to play sport.