Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Is mian liom cuidiú leis an rún. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire chomh maith chuig an Teach. I second the motion and welcome the Minister to the House.

I avail of the opportunity to pay tribute to the Minister for the high profile which he has given sport during his term of office. No doubt he has reflected the importance of sport in the life of the community and of the nation. He has done this particularly well at community level. Anybody who has observed the Minister closely in this regard will have seen that he has travelled the length and breadth of the country to show his support, not only for the highlighted events but also for the activities at community level, which are particularly important. We should also give him credit for succeeding in obtaining approximately €149 million for sport in one year. Some years ago, the figure for sport was approximately €17 million. There has been a huge increase in the past six or seven years and that is due to the Minister's ability and commitment.

Various reports have been produced on sport and its importance to the nation. It is good that this is acknowledged because we often take this aspect of our lives for granted as a result of the fact that we have, to some extent, grown up with it as part of our communities. It is important, in challenging times, when considering the social aspects of life, to examine the social aspects of sport and the contribution it makes to the enhancement of people's lives. If we do not do this, we miss out on acknowledging one of the best vehicles we have for countering anti-social behaviour. We often talk about young people who do not participate in positive pursuits. Where young people take part in sporting activities, they grow up to be responsible citizens and make an important contribution to life.

While it is important to highlight the commercial side of sport, which is important for the country's image internationally, there is also a voluntary aspect to it. I was glad to see that the GAA was selected for particular mention in recent reports. This is only right because it has contributed through its framework from club level up to the great scenes we witness in Croke Park each year. It may seem like old hat but historically the GAA has played a major role, for example, in healing the wounds of the Civil War. This is often overlooked. It is highlighted in the GAA museum in Croke Park that people on opposing sides in that conflict participated on the same teams, whether hurling or football. As a result, people of different backgrounds and perspectives on life were brought together. This should not be forgotten. The GAA has also contributed to national life by focusing on helping the economy, for example, in encouraging people to buy Irish made goods or to take part in other such activities.

To return to the main issue regarding the availability of sufficient finance for sport, any contribution made to the sporting bodies in this country — not just to the GAA but to soccer, rugby and other sporting bodies — is repaid a hundredfold to the nation. While it is obviously repaid in financial ways, it is also repaid through the manner in which people respond to the needs of the country.

Without financial aid we would not have some of the exceptional sports arenas we have, not all based in Dublin but throughout the regions. Despite the voluntary input we had in the past and the best will in the world, if the finance had not been made available, it would not have been possible to reach the standards essential in this regard. We must be proud of Croke Park's current stage of development. It must be one of the finest sporting arenas in the world.

I know the Minister has plans for the future development of other facilities and arenas. It is great to see the enthusiasm and excitement in every village and town when the news comes through that he has made his announcements of sporting grants. People are not always looking for 100% or 75% grants but often just want enough to tip the scales to bring a project to fruition. It is probably the greatest legacy of the Minister and Government that they allow this money to permeate down through the communities to provide vital facilities.

It gives me great pleasure to second this motion and I am proud to do so. The figures and the response of recipients speak for themselves. Above all else, the image we have of being a sports-friendly nation and Government is accepted by most people.