Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

I understand the strategy was prepared last summer, but, for whatever reason, it was not published. It will now be managed by the Minister for Transport and the Minister of State with responsibility for sport, Deputy Ring, and I am sure they will publish it shortly once they have had an opportunity to study it and perhaps insert some of their own ideas.

An audit of sports facilities is being conducted through the local sports partnerships. I have been calling for such an audit for several years and was under the impression one had been completed several years ago. That did not happen, however. While it is important we carry out a thorough audit which can form the basis of a strategy, funding is even more important. The Minister and the Minister of State are anxious to implement a sports capital programme at the earliest opportunity. From the point of view of the nation's health, it makes perfect sense to put in place a budget for sports facilities.

I am sure Deputies will agree on the importance of providing sports facilities on or near school grounds where possible. I know of facilities located half a mile or one mile away from schools that could have been constructed on school grounds. In many cases, our weather conditions and the cost of transport makes it too difficult to bring young people to sports facilities for physical education classes with the result that most schools do not even possess indoor facilities adequate to meet the needs of the most simple of physical education programmes. I also support the development of facilities which would allow multiple sports to be pursued. Rugby, GAA and soccer clubs could share common facilities, even playing matches on different pitches. Where this has happened, it has saved a lot of money. It makes sense.

This is something that Deputy Wallace will be pursuing because of his commitment to sport. It is great that he will show his interest in the House in the future.

It is important that a new fund become available as soon as possible. For the information of the Deputy, this is a question I asked when I was in the Department in Killarney last week. A large amount of money — something like €77 million — is unspent at the moment and has been so for some time. If there are clubs that can go ahead with their developments, the money should be moved on to them. It should be used and not left for a long period.

There will be a new sports capital programme, although I cannot say when. That will be up to the new Minister. I will be encouraging it for the reasons expressed by the Deputy.

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