Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics task force was established in August 2006 to ensure Ireland can identify and maximise the complete range of opportunities arising from our proximity to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. The task force included experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and was supported by staff within my Department.

The recently published task force report, which is available on the website of my Department, makes a number of recommendations arising from an audit carried out of high quality sports facilities in Ireland and the findings of a report by Indecon International Economic Consultants on the economic evaluation of the benefit to the island of Ireland of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. It highlights the opportunities for Ireland from the London 2012 games in the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors.

In this regard, I understand that Enterprise Ireland has been proactive in ensuring that Irish businesses are aware of the opportunities for benefiting from the business opportunities which London 2012 will provide. A dedicated website has been established to assist Irish business to avail of these opportunities. The tourism agencies have committed themselves to an energetic approach to the marketing of Ireland particularly in the lead up to and during the games while the artistic and cultural agencies stand ready to organise events which will showcase Ireland to the world. Work is also going on in that area.

On the sporting side, the task force report puts forward proposals for investment in sports facilities which would increase our attractiveness as a training destination for Olympic teams in the lead up and during the games. However, we must be realistic in this area particularly given the current economic conditions.

My Department is engaging with the relevant sporting, tourism and cultural agencies on how best to promote Ireland internationally in the lead-up to the London 2012 games. These discussions are taking account of the current economic situation, the findings of the London 2012 task force report and my recent meetings to identify the challenges which must be met in the preparation of our team for the London games.

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