Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Senator Coghlan commented on the sports capital programme. It has worked well. I am in discussions with the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. It is important to open the programme again and I will explain why. National organisations such as those involved in GAA, soccer and rugby have done well and have been important for the country when it comes to building stadia. They are good, they are being used and this is good for the country. Many sporting organisations and groups need funding to keep up and enhance their facilities. I am working hard on this issue and putting a good deal of pressure on the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. I call on this House to assist me in any way it can to keep up the pressure when any Minister attends. Any money spent on sport is well spent and there is a return in two ways, an economic return and a health return. I hope we will have news on the matter before the end of the year.