Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

The existence of our national games means we have many sports facilities available around the country. Our national games are not included in the Olympic Games. Is it possible, through the work of the Irish Sports Council or the interagency group the Minister is to set up, that negotiations will take place with the GAA with a view to using some of its facilities? If they were used, there would be a much wider choice of facilities available to foreign teams and they would not have to base themselves around the capital only. Given our regional airports and infrastructure, we could provide wider scope for availing of tourism opportunities on foot of the games.

Fáilte Ireland should put together a package with the Irish Sports Council in this regard as early as possible. Given that we are receiving queries now, it is obvious that national teams are making travel plans well in advance of the games. They are making plans not for the upcoming games but the games thereafter so as to obtain the best facilities. This trend presents us with an ideal opportunity.

How soon will the interagency group be set up and how much scope will it have? It will obviously include the tourism agencies and sports agencies, such as the Irish Sports Council. Will local authorities and sports organisations be represented or will it just be a case of the Irish Sports Council representing the sports organisations?

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