Results 7,421-7,440 of 15,805 for speaker:Michael Ring

Seanad: Sport: Statements (4 Oct 2011)

Michael Ring: Senators Mooney and Conway commented on swimming pools. We will have a second round shortly, depending on funding. We will do our best to spread the money as best we can and try to target it to the areas of most need. There are many applications and we must make decisions. I will make the decisions on the matter and I hope we make the right decisions. There will be a second round....

Seanad: Sport: Statements (4 Oct 2011)

Michael Ring: Senator Coghlan commented on the sports capital programme. It has worked well. I am in discussions with the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. It is important to open the programme again and I will explain why. National organisations such as those involved in GAA, soccer and rugby have done well and have been important for the country when it comes to building...

Seanad: Sport: Statements (4 Oct 2011)

Michael Ring: Senator Mulcahy asked about the breakdown of lottery funding. There is no breakdown. The money goes into central Government and the Minister for Finance distributes it like every other revenue taken in. There is no allocation from the national lottery. It goes into every Department and everyone gets a share of it.

Seanad: Sport: Statements (4 Oct 2011)

Michael Ring: Sport plays a unique role in the lives of Irish people and its value to the nation simply cannot be over-emphasised, in terms of raising our health levels, in helping to give us a sense of ourselves and in boosting our morale. Active participation in sport and physical recreation contributes enormously to the physical and mental well-being of the individual, and by extension, of the whole...

Seanad: Sport: Statements (4 Oct 2011)

Michael Ring: If I must play, I will play.

Sports Capital Programme (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: The programme for Government provides that "In future sports funding should prioritise projects which further greater participation in sport on a local and national level". I will be keeping this commitment in mind in the context of the allocation of any future sports funding. The sports capital programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improved facilities in virtually...

Sports Capital Programme (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: Since this Government came into office, this Department has introduced initiatives to allocate funding to local authorities in particular. I refer to initiatives under the sports capital programme which are to help local authorities to provide facilities in areas where sporting organisations are not established. I refer to Mugga Parks where children can play volleyball or basketball. The...

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: I am chairing a high-level coordinating group which is identifying opportunities for Ireland that may arise across the sports, tourism, cultural and enterprise sectors from the proximity of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The group comprises representatives from the Irish Sports Council, the Olympic Council of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the...

Written Answers — Policy on Volunteering: Policy on Volunteering (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: Volunteers play a vital role in Irish sport and research has shown that sport accounts for the majority of all volunteering in Ireland. As well as generating social value, there is an economic value of volunteering in sport, and estimates of this have ranged from over €300 million to almost €600 million annually. The commitment and hard work of volunteers is a key part of the development...

Written Answers — Sports Funding: Sports Funding (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: Sports inclusion disability officer positions are the responsibility of the Irish Sports Council, and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.

Written Answers — Garda Vetting of Personnel: Garda Vetting of Personnel (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: The Garda vetting process as rolled out by the Irish Sports Council, is the responsibility of that Council, and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.

Written Answers — Sporting Organisations: Sporting Organisations (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: I am acutely aware that sporting organisations, like many other organisations, are facing very difficult financial challenges in the present economic climate. I have of course met with sporting organisations and have visited clubs and I fully understand the difficulties that they face. I wish to express my deep admiration and appreciation for the continuing efforts of all those in the sports...

Written Answers — Sport and Recreational Development: Sport and Recreational Development (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: The sports sector is a major contributor to the economy, a contribution which includes sports tourism, ticket sales, subscriptions and the cost of playing sport, together with the purchase of sports equipment and an economic value of time given by volunteers. Sport and sport-related activities support over 38,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Participation in sport can also bring benefits in...

National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: Deputy Timmins cannot complain about the recent funding from the Department because his constituency did not do too badly. I disagree with him that those who shout the loudest get the most. I believe that those who are prepared to put their hands in their pockets to provide matching funding do not do badly. I come from a community and tourism region where people are prepared to put their...

National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Referral to Select Committee (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: I move: "That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport pursuant to Standing Order 82A(3)(a) and (6)(a)."

National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: In the bath.

National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: I will be there in two weeks. The date has been fixed.

Written Answers — Sports Capital Programme: Sports Capital Programme (27 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: No decision has yet been made about the timing of further rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.

Written Answers — Sports Capital Programme: Sports Capital Programme (27 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: The Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support towards the provision of sports facilities or the purchase of sports equipment. No decision has yet been made about the timing of further rounds of the Programme.

Written Answers — Sport and Recreational Development: Sport and Recreational Development (27 Sep 2011)

Michael Ring: The Sports Capital Programme is the primary means of providing Government support for the provision of sports facilities throughout the country. Since 1998, over €170m has been allocated to sports projects in Dublin. In addition, during the same period, the Government has invested over €107m in the redevelopment of Croke Park and €191m in the development of the Aviva stadium. €28m...