Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

That is right but that does not happen anymore. That allocation was to go to sports and the arts but that is no longer the situation.

I refer to Senator Mullins's point. There is only one way to get people involved in sport and I am a believer in it. Schools have a major part to play. Sometimes we are critical of the education system and teachers but if teachers and schools are not involved then young children will not be involved in sport.

Senator Coghlan and others remarked that I was a soccer fanatic. This is true but I am also a sports fanatic. I love rugby and Gaelic football. Senator Burke is aware that I played against the Taoiseach in a final one time. He has had a mark since and I have a few marks too. I have the pleasure of holding an All Ireland Vocational Schools medal since 1971 and as long as I live I will remember having that medal and I will remember the team we played against: Antrim. A man called Gerry Armstrong played on the team for Antrim.

He went on to play for Spurs after he scored the famous goal for Northern Ireland that put Spain out of the World Cup.

If women are involved in sport, they will bring their children. It is important that we do everything we can in this respect. If there is another round of the sports capital programme, facilities must be used and shared. I am discussing this matter with my officials. The days of taxpayers funding facilities for elite groups are over. If they want grant aid, they will need to open their facilities to everyone. This will be part of my plan if there is another round.