Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach, with the very able participation and support of the Minister, Deputy O'Donoghue, knows the amount of pleasure it brings clubs when their applications are successful and the difference it makes when one goes back a year or two later and they are able to outline all they have done with both the Government money and the money they have raised themselves.

A valid point was made earlier about the need for sports centres to be spaced out throughout the country. Extra support is being given to regional centres. The Duneske project in Cahir, County Tipperary, is an obvious example the Minister has supported regularly during his term of office.

I am glad the tension and controversy has been taken out of the subject of the national sports campus development authority. I was happy with the decision to locate the principal rugby and soccer stadium in Lansdowne Road because visitors coming here for international matches like stadiums within easy reach of the city centre. It adds to the enjoyment of the weekend. Also, there is a great tradition built up at Lansdowne Road.

I hope the planning difficulties will be overcome with some mutual give and take between residents and the owners of the stadium. I accept that if one lives in the vicinity, whether it is Croke Park or Lansdowne Road, there is significant noise and disruption for a few days but on the other hand, people who live there live in a prime location. Obviously, there will be much more space at Abbotstown and presumably, in tandem with its development, public transport will need to be developed in that direction also. I understand the Luas is planned to operate nearby.

One problem, and this always happens when the responsibility borders two Departments, is the question of sports facilities in schools. The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism believes, I am sure rightly, that this is primarily a matter for the Department of Education and Science although in many instances in towns and villages there might be a communal facility close by to which schools have ready access. It is a problem, however, that will have to be tacked. Many schools need sports halls and dedicated facilities. The education of the whole person includes a physical as well as an intellectual dimension and that is something that must be further developed by the next Government.

In the meantime, the Minister recently decided that applications can be invited by the Irish Sports Council for another eight county-related sports companies. The Minister is aware, as I have written to him on the subject, that south Tipperary is keenly interested in getting involved in this as the county has shown great prowess in a number of different fields. I take the opportunity, therefore, of publicly recommending to him — I appreciate the decision will be taken by the Irish Sports Council but I am sure he has some influence with it——