Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 84: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if progress has been made in seeking spin-off for Ireland as a result of the geographical proximity of Ireland to the Olympics venue for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18448/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A London 2012 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 in 2012. This task force included experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and was supported by staff within my Department.

The selection of London as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games offers opportunities which could be availed of by Ireland in the areas of tourism, business, sport and culture. The task force's focus has been on assessing the quality and suitability of Ireland's sporting and ancillary infrastructure in terms of its appeal to countries and athletes preparing to take part in the London Olympics and Paralympics; completing an economic evaluation of the potential impacts in the sectors of tourism, business and sport arising from Ireland's proximity to the 2012 games; and identifying other beneficial spin-offs from the Olympics and Paralympics.

The task force has submitted its report and I will consider its findings and recommendations. As of yet, I have not read the report.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understood the previous Minister received it but was not happy with it and asked the Department to re-examine it. A facilities audit was carried out. Has information been passed to the organisers of the London Olympics to make them aware of what is available in Ireland? Has a response been received in this regard? It was also suggested that if we did not have the training facilities for teams or were unable to host any of the events that we might be in a position to host some of the qualifying tournaments and events. Has progress been made in this regard? If it were possible, they would need to be in the pipeline.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree. It is the view that the fact that the Olympics will be held in London in 2012 will provide opportunities in a range of areas such as tourism and directly with athletes in terms of facilities. There are also business opportunities. As I stated, the report is in but I have not read it and I do not want to guess at it. An issue that arose was the quality of some of the physical infrastructural facilities available to athletes. They were not up to a standard required to attract countries and their athletes to come here prior to the 2012 Olympics. This is a key issue that must be examined. It is a priority because four years is not that far away.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is there a possibility of fast-tracking some of the developments in train, such as in Abbottstown? A 200 m track has been proposed. Why do we not go for a long-term strategy and seek a 400 m track and encourage top-class athletes to avail of such a facility? I am interested in fast-tracking the filling of gaps which will be identified and highlighted in the national audit. As the Minister stated, this will provide major economic and sporting opportunities for the country.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Whatever facilities are resourced, I would like to put enough in to maximise the usage of these facilities. If there is an enormous difference between putting resources into a particular sized facility as opposed to a larger facility and one can see the return on it, it is worth considering. I am anxious to be directly involved in the development of Abbottstown and to make decisions on it as soon as we can.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have a similar question as I also thought of Abbottstown. Apart from the aquatic centre, a 25,000 seater stadium was promised for field sports and athletics. Is there any prospect that this will be completed by 2012? Is it a facility we could offer to the London organisers?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Abbottstown has many positive aspects. I would like to bring clarity to what we will do with regard to the development of a sports campus at Abbottstown. I have been a strong supporter from the beginning and I will engage soon with the various stakeholders involved to see what is the best way forward to give the best return to our athletes and sport in general. If doing this attracts other countries to use our facilities, it is all to the good.

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 85: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if it is his intention or the intention of other members of the Government to attend the summer 2008 Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18392/08]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 103: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects a Government decision will be made on attending the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17667/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 112: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will attend the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14619/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 103 and 112 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 78 earlier today which dealt with this subject.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am happy to accept that answer. There is nothing further to be said until we know for sure what is happening.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is important that whatever happens sporting interests are protected. We should have no intervention that would hamper our athlete's opportunities for success. Has the Minister met Mr. Pat Hickey of the IOC? Perhaps he has not had an opportunity to do so since taking up his new portfolio. It would be important to speak to him and representatives of the athletes.

I accept the Minister's answer to the previous question with regard to attendance at the opening ceremony.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Meetings are being organised with representatives of the Irish Olympic Council and all the sporting bodies. I want to do this as quickly as possible because urgent matters are raised with regard to the Olympic Games which are about to take place. I understand a meeting between Mr. Hickey and me has been arranged. I believe he is away at present.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree with Deputy Upton that whatever we do, we should not in any way interfere with the sporting element. Governments have many opportunities to make political points. Most athletes only get one chance at the Olympic Games as they take place only every four years. I do not believe there is a suggestion that we will interfere with them but I wish to state that I am against it.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We are all in agreement on that.