Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

There were a number of successes in terms of best achievements and best times achieved and we won a silver medal and two bronze medals, albeit in one sport, namely, boxing. Nevertheless, one can never be prescriptive about the sport in which one would like to win medals. We did win medals and I hope we will win more in 2012, as I am sure does the Deputy.

Everybody is discounting the cost of the Lansdowne Road redevelopment in my budget. The State allocated over €191 million therefor. We are not building stadia such as that at Lansdowne Road every year and it is clear that subtracting a sum such as €191 million from the overall budget results in a significant drop in the Department's capital. This sets the context for 2009.

We have not engaged in the planning process for the campus yet and it will take a considerable amount of time next year. That there is not a huge allocation for next year does not mean the project cannot get under way. By the time the planning and design considerations are cleared, it will probably be very much towards the end of next year. I would like to see some of the facilities built at Abbotstown. If we cannot complete the full phase 1 programme, which is unlikely given the current economic climate, we will still be able to work on a number of significant projects, such as the national indoor training centre. This will provide facilities for over 20 sports. The hockey facilities are such that teams now have a great shot at doing extremely well in the Olympic Games in 2012. I am working with the company at Abbotstown to determine how to make progress in this regard.

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