Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

I thank the Minister for his reply. On the opportunities he expressed when the International Olympic Committee announced London as the venue for the 2012 games, following these discussions he had with the Northern Minister are concrete proposals on the verge of being made on joint approaches, not only on how sporting organisations and countries taking part in the Olympic Games might use facilities on this island but also on a more common approach to tourism through the existing all-island bodies?

He mentioned in his reply that the Irish Sports Council has already received a number of inquiries about the possibility of locating training camps in this country in advance of the 2012 Olympic Games. Could he provide more concrete detail on the number of such countries that have made inquiries? Is his Department and the Irish Sports Council targeting a number of countries that might be prepared to be based here?

On the question of the Paralympic Games, the Minister cited the example of the Special Olympic Games but they are different types of games. Ireland already has a proud record of participating and being successful in the Paralympic Games. Does the Minister see a particular role in such Irish experience in terms of achieving a cross-over for the benefit of the Paralympic Games that will also be held in London in 2012?

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