In addition, it was felt that the commencement of the project should be delayed until after the completion of the Special Olympics World Games in June of next year because of safety considerations and the possible risk to athletes if work was still on site when the games are in progress. I assure the Senator that the Minister, Deputy O'Donoghue, is committed to the provision of sports facilities at all levels throughout the country and to continue the excellent work done over the last five years or so in this regard. It may be of interest that funding for sport has increased from £13.25 million in 1997 to over €161.4 million this year. Since 1998, the Government has allocated €213.2 million to sports facilities at every level throughout the country. I mention these facts as an illustration of the degree of commitment to sport on the part of the Government and to give a context in which the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism is dealing with the issues raised by Senator Terry.