Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I will try to respond briefly to some of the issues raised. The main one was that of the sports capital programme. We are seeking a new one. I wish Senator Ó Domhnaill was present, as he referred to the recent announcement concerning a swimming pool in his area. There was a lot of talk from the previous Government, but its cheque bounced. We have honoured that cheque. I was pleased to be able to make the announcement. The situation had been ongoing for 20 years. The swimming pool was discussed at every election, but nothing was done. The project has been approved and I hope it will be completed in the coming years.

The Senator raised a number of good issues regarding the swimming pools programme. We are examining the matter. Although the Government has provided €3.8 million, the local authorities are having difficulty matching the funds. We need to consider targets for the next round's spending. The national sports facility strategy, which we will announce shortly, will form part of this consideration. I look forward to receiving the report in a few weeks. It is being worked on by my officials.

The situation is not easy, as many changes have occurred during the past year in particular. We must find different ways to do things. We will have fewer resources and there is no point in pretending otherwise. As the Minister of State with responsibility for sport, my job is to try to hold on to as much as possible of our current budget. Money will need to be targeted, as it will not be as plentiful as it has been for the past ten years.

As for using national lottery funds for sport, revisiting the Act would be important. Even if I was not a Minister of State, I would be a firm believer in the concept that investment in sport would be money well spent.