John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

This was not a contentious Bill and I appreciate the general support that has been given to it. I thank Members of the House for their comments and contributions over the past two days. Although the amendments discussed this evening have not been accepted, I have listened to the points that were raised and I mean to take the Senators' proposals into account even if they are not underpinned by legislation, which I do not believe is desirable in this case.

I wish to take this opportunity to comment on the position and participation of women in sport and sports related activities. The Government recognises that the present level of participation in sport by women is less than what it might be. However, I recognise that the most effective way to persuade more women and girls to become involved in sport, and to stay involved, is by encouragement. I have already referred to the special funding of €2.25 million that has been provided to the Irish Sports Council specifically to support programmes aimed at increasing women's participation in sport.

Two weeks ago, an amount of €250,000 was made available to the FAI by the Irish Sports Council from the special fund to assist with that association's development plan with a view to ensuring that there would be increased female participation in soccer. A national co-ordinator has been appointed and a number of development officers will be recruited to concentrate on women's soccer. There will be more female coaches, emerging talent will be nurtured and a national league will be introduced. This is the type of action that is required. We will have to focus on the types of sport women already participate in and enjoy, and provide the means of encouraging greater participation. A number of other organisations have also sought funding towards new programmes aimed at increasing participation and allocations will shortly be made in response to these requests.

In terms of the Bill before us, I will direct the Irish Sports Council to have regard to the use of the Abbotstown facilities as part of its remit to improve women's participation levels in sport. I would expect that the national sports campus development authority will set out in its statement of strategy its approach to the various groups it will be attempting to attract.

It is my intention to ensure that the board of the new authority is composed of an equitable balance of both men and women. Of course, the first concern will be to ensure that the membership of the board has capacity, relevant experience and knowledge. I am aware that a considerable number of women have distinguished themselves and would bring a very meaningful expertise to the operation of the authority. Regrettably, Senator White will not be one of them because of the provision we discussed earlier. I fully intend to tap this source of expertise but I am wary of setting in stone this commitment to a 50:50 balance because it might lead to an unnecessary limitation when selecting talented women and men to guide the development of the national sports campus.

Similarly, I have not accepted the proposed amendment lifting the prohibition on members of local authorities from becoming members of the authority. I have given my reason in detail and it is not necessary to repeat it. In conclusion, I thank everyone involved for their assistance in the process of drafting, preparing and processing this Bill. I thank Senators for their co-operation and I am pleased that this legislation will be passed. I now look forward to the new authority delivering a state-of-the-art campus of sports facilities over the coming years at Abbotstown.

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the staff of the Seanad. In thanking all Members of the Seanad, I particularly thank the spokespersons on all sides of the House. Listening to Senator Ryan over the last few days made me nostalgic for the days when I was Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, but only nostalgic.