Eamonn Coghlan (Independent)

This year alone sports success has brought big smiles to the faces of Irish people worldwide, in particular, the major golf wins of Rory McIIroy and Darren Clarke, our rugby team, our cricket team, Katie Taylor and our other European boxing champions and our Special Olympic athletes who won numerous gold medals in Athens, just to name a few. Sporting victories are etched into the minds of our citizens and perhaps have a greater influence on the well-being of our society, more than political, economic or business activities in recent times.

The Irish Sports Council was established as a statutory body in 1999. Over the past 12 years, the council has made a huge difference in raising standards in Irish sports. National governing bodies, NGBs, are now more streamlined, professional and effective and they remain at the heart of delivering and developing Irish sport. Our sports people now enjoy the financial support from the taxpayer and the support of the council, vis-á-vis the newly established Irish Institute of Sport. There are no excuses anymore when it comes to support, both in terms of finance and in services offered. The council's remit is not just about high performance athletes; it is also about increasing mass participation in sports for all, no matter one's ability. This is delivered through the NGBs, including the GAA, FAI and IRFU, Special Olympics Ireland, OCI, Paralympics Ireland, the 32 local sports partnerships on the ground, the National Trails Office, Women in Sport, Youth Sports, SIDOs, sports inclusion disability officers, and Team Ireland Golf Trust.

Sport makes a contribution to our society more than just on the playing field. The economy, tourism, employment and health of our nation are also significant beneficiaries. For every €100 invested by the State, the Exchequer receives €149 back, which equates to €922 million in taxes generated. The GPA recently estimated that the real value to the economy of Gaelic games is €193 million annually. More than 38,000 people are employed in sports-related activities. As well as generating good social values, there is an economic value to the 270,000 volunteers in sport, which is estimated at between €322 million and €582 million annually.

Irish households spent approximately €1.9 billion on sport and sport-related goods in 2008, equivalent to 2% of the overall value of consumer spending in the economy. Sports related spending contributes €1.8 billion to the economy value added, equivalent to 1.4% of the economy wide gross domestic product. In all, it is estimated that 1.7 million people actively participate in sports providing a significant benefit to the well-being of our nation and a savings for the State in its health budget.

From a tourism perspective sports events and sports people have made the greatest contribution towards promoting a positive image of Ireland internationally in a most cost effective and efficient manner. In the past week or two alone, Fáilte Ireland estimated that television coverage of the Solheim Cup in the majestic setting of Killeen Castle was viewed by over 400 million people worldwide, producing approximately €60 million in public relations value alone, and the boost to the local economy was to the tune of approximately €30 million. In addition, in the past week the European Surfing Championships in Bundoran attracted 20,000 visitors which contributed €3 million to the local economy.

While we can boast about having four major winners born and coached on this island, our reputation and successes alone will no doubt further benefit our internationally acclaimed golf courses which in 2009 attracted 143,000 visitors spending over €110,000. The Rugby World Cup quarter final takes place this weekend but I am disappointed to learn that at the coming week's Global Economic Forum in Dublin Castle, which will be attended by 300 business, tourism and agricultural interests, the business of sport and sports related tourism is not featured on the agenda.