Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Was he on the hurling team? Did he turn up for the hurling match? I commend the Oireachtas football team and Deputy Deenihan for the work they have done and the amount of money they have raised for GOAL and other charities since I entered the House.

When one examines the details of this legislation, one can see that the Government has approved the creation of the national sports campus development authority to oversee the planning and development of a campus of sports facilities at Abbotstown in Dublin 15. The Bill's primary purpose is to provide the statutory basis for this authority, which I welcome. Sections 5 and 6 of the Bill provide for the making of an order by the Minister to set a date for the establishment of the authority, which will be known as the national sports campus development authority and which will have, with the approval of the Minister and the consent of the Minister for Finance, the power to acquire, hold and dispose of land and other property. I hope that if someone comes up with a sensible idea which will benefit sport and communities in Ireland, the Minister for Finance will not stand in the way.

Section 7 describes the authority's functions. The primary functions of the authority are to develop a sports campus on the site in Abbotstown; furnish, equip, manage, operate and maintain it; and encourage and promote its use by professional and amateur sportspeople and members of the public. Section 7 is important because it deals with the professional and amateur aspects, and there is a role for both. We have an extra onus to ensure those involved directly in amateur sport get priority under the plan.

A development plan for the campus must be submitted for approval by the Minister and the Government before the commencement of each phase. Details of the phases must also be submitted for approval. I welcome some of the progressive developments that have taken place in the FAI under the leadership of John Delaney. There is a sense of excitement and expectation. It is a new management team who have massive knowledge and experience. The planning application has been lodged for the new stadium and an agreement has been reached on Croke Park, which is a brave and popular decision. In the meantime, we are preparing for the Euro 2008 qualifiers, which will give another boost to the country and create positive energy.

I welcome the Government's approval for the sports campus. While these are the big events, as Members we must ensure the local events get priority. I urge people to support their local clubs because these are the backbone of the national bodies. These clubs bring the children up through the system and make a contribution in their local communities. As I said earlier, clubs like St. Vincent's in Marino, Craobh Chiaráin in Donnycarney, Clontarf GAA club, Whitehall Colmcille and Parnell GAA club have made a massive contribution to the community spirit in my constituency.

Section 24 allows the Minister to give general policy directions to the authority. As the Minister is elected by the people, it is an important aspect. While it is right to put an emphasis on amateur sport and health and fitness, access to sport for people with disabilities should also be taken into account. Social inclusion means making it possible for people with disabilities to become involved in sport in their communities. We saw an example of this during the Special Olympics where people got involved and a buzz was created around the activities, particularly the event in Croke Park. I was there with my family and many parents and friends of people with disabilities, and the way in which the children were directly involved played a major part in involving them in the community spirit. I urge the Minister to deal with this issue in a positive and constructive way.

The arts are also important for society. They are something that people may not take seriously, but they are important for children. While there may be children in the system who are not especially interested in sport, they may be interested in music and the arts. There should be no elitism in the development of this area.

Section 29 provides that the authority or a subsidiary may borrow with the approval of the Minister given with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Section 30 provides that the authority may, for the purposes of providing access, acquire by agreement or, in accordance with Schedule 2, compulsorily, any land adjoining the Abbotstown site or any interest in or right over such land. Schedule 2 details the provisions relating to the compulsory acquisition of the land referred to in section 30, including that such acquisition must be authorised by an order made by the Minister. This is an important aspect. When dealing with planning issues, we must ensure that local people are directly involved and considered in a positive manner.

I thank the Minister and commend him on bringing this important legislation before the House. Sport is not just about the cream of society but about everyone. Everyone should get involved in sport and in their local club. They should choose the sport they like and make a contribution to the club, society and the country.

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