Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply. The task force report suggests the potential financial benefit to the State arising from the staging of the 2012 Olympic Games in London may be in the order of €140 million. I am confident it could be far greater provided that we are able to capitalise on all the opportunities that present. It is a one-off event for this generation to have people travelling from every country in the world to a location virtually on our doorstep. The last time the Olympics Games took place so close to us was shortly after the Second World War. We are being presented with a unique opportunity.

Are efforts being made to secure business for the State not only in terms of athletes' preparation for the Games, as originally envisaged, but also in terms of a tourism spin-off? Of the many visitors coming to London, some may be induced to continue on to Ireland. Is there any linking up among hotels? I understand the Minister is engaged in discussions with industry representatives with a view to focusing efforts to promote Ireland as a cultural tourism destination. There is great potential for our tourism industry in the Olympic Games. Are efforts being made to promote Ireland as a cultural tourism destination in the countries from which people are most likely to travel to London in 2012?

The funding which the Minister indicated some time ago might be provided to invest in various facilities is not now available. In any case, the games are getting too close for such initiatives. There was a possibility of something happening at Sports Campus Ireland. The Minister specifically mentioned investigating the possibility of a velodrome. What is the status of that proposal? Has any further investigation taken place and is the project likely to proceed? If so, is it likely to be ready in time for the Olympic Games? We would have to begin marketing such a facility immediately.

See this speech in context