John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when it is proposed to complete the roll-out of the sports partnership network throughout the 33 local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31803/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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An Agreed Programme for Government commits to the roll-out of the local sports partnership, LSP, programme on a nationwide basis to provide the development of sport at local level. The Irish Sports Council, ISC, is the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport, including initiatives such as the local sports partnership network, through which sports initiatives at local level are delivered and co-ordinated. The local sports partnerships are charged with increasing participation at a local level, ensuring local resources are used to best effect and making sure the experiences of participants in sport are positive.

Following an independent review of the local sports partnerships by Fitzpatrick Associates in 2005, my predecessor gave approval to the Irish Sports Council to extend the LSP network from 2006 on a national basis. Accordingly, funding has been provided to the ISC to facilitate continued extension of the network. The LSPs have received more than €16 million in Government funding since they were first set up in 2001.

The Irish Sports Council has informed me it has now signed heads of agreement with all 33 LSP-designated sites and there are currently 22 sites fully operational. At present, eight sites are finalising recruitment arrangements and an additional three sites will advertise early in the new year. The Irish Sports Council expects all 33 LSPs will be fully operational during 2008.

The Irish Sports Council provides support and advice to the LSPs and is working to create productive relations with the local sports co-ordinators, including the creation of a network of co-ordinators. The Irish Sports Council has provided training to the LSPs and will continue to provide regular information and training updates. It is also involved in the development of specific programmes, courses and resource materials for the LSPs.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his answer. I compliment all involved parties, including the Minister, in bringing the issue surrounding the grants schemes for Gaelic footballers to a conclusion. The ball was bouncing around for a long time and I am glad it has been sorted out. We will all have some work to do in the new year.

Now that problem has been solved, the Minister might help to solve this problem. I am glad to hear the 33 local authority areas will have the sports partnership network rolled out as I am conscious of the great work it does in widening the appeal of sport and increasing participation across all ages, ethnic groups and social classes.

With regard to funding, I gather the budget is minimum, with approximately 3% of a total amount spent on sport. Is there any plan to increase the funding for these sports partnerships? Many different groups would benefit. For example, at the age of 20, only 36% of women participate in sport compared to 65% of men. A recent survey indicated that 52% of older people would like in some way to get involved in activities. An activity park was recently opened in Trim in that regard. There is much potential and as our population ages, we would see significant health benefits.

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The straight answer is "yes." In the natural course of Estimate processes, the local sports partnerships will be receiving additional funding.

I thank the Deputy for his welcome of the agreement with the Gaelic footballers. I express my thanks to the Gaelic Players Association, the GAA, the Irish Sports Council and my own officials for putting in much hard work to reach agreement, which we announced just this morning. I thank the people involved for moving to a position where we could reach agreement, which was welcome.

The local sports partnerships actually form part of that agreement. One factor of the agreement I was particularly pleased with this morning was the indication that the players would work with the local sports partnerships in return for some support. They would be able to give back some kind of leadership to society through the sports partnerships. I thank them for this action in particular.

I am also commencing a review of the role of the women in sport in particular. There is much work to be done in that area and we will commence the work fairly shortly.