Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move:

That Seanad Éireann--- recognises the critical role sport plays in our society and appreciates the significant health benefits to citizens of all ages who regularly participate in sport and physical activities;
- acknowledges the importance of attracting international sports events to Ireland such as American football, golfing tournaments and especially our bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup;
- salutes the thousands of volunteers who organise all types of sporting activity on a weekly basis and the many and varied sports clubs the length and breadth of the country that have provided many sporting opportunities for many years for participants of all age groups;
- commends the Government for continuing to support the extremely successful sports capital grants programme, despite the severe financial restraints of recent years; and
- encourages the Minister to support the programme into the future to enable sports organisations to continue to provide and upgrade services and facilities which ultimately will result in much greater participation in sport.

I wish to discuss some of the issues referenced in the motion, including the health benefits of participating in sport. An overwhelming amount of scientific evidence is available demonstrating the positive effects on our health. Regular participation in sport can help in the prevention of several serious diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc. In addition to its impact on people's physical welfare, recent evidence demonstrates that participation in sport can have therapeutic benefits and a positive impact on those suffering from depression.
There are significant benefits in hosting international sports events, with which I imagine the Minister of State is familiar. Above all, such events provide an opportunity for Irish sports fans to watch their sporting heroes compete against the world's best on their home pitch or soil. From a tourism perspective, such events not only draw visitors but they also act as an advertising opportunity for the country to showcase all it has to offer to the prospective and discerning tourist. The hosting of events such as the Giro d'Italiathis year and the Irish Open golf tournament has demonstrated Ireland's capacity to successfully host large international events, welcome participants and spectators alike and ensure they have a wonderful experience during their time in the country, an experience which will, I hope, leave them keen to visit Ireland again in the future.
One month ago I met eight American visitors in the hotel where I stay on a regular basis. I asked them whether it was their first visit to Ireland. Two of them had been here two years ago to see the University of Notre Dame play in the international football match. They had come back with six other friends. We should not underestimate the opportunities that can result when people happily spend a few days or a week here and then come back bringing six, eight or ten others with them.
In a previous debate I saluted the volunteers of Tidy Towns committees throughout the country and the contribution they had made to tourism. I now salute the great majority of the thousands of sports clubs in Ireland that are run entirely by volunteers. Sports clubs account for the vast majority of volunteering in Ireland. These volunteers allow the high level of sporting activity that takes place in Ireland to be sustained. This activity not only has positive health benefits mentioned for the participants but also numerous social benefits through the participation of all those who participate in sport more generally, whether as supporters, managers and parents, or, in many cases, as all three. Therefore, the work of volunteers who keep clubs going must be saluted. I do not believe we could put a revenue price on the hours they put in, winter and summer. Therefore, those involved are to be congratulated.
This year saw 2,036 applicants under the sports capital programme, the second highest number ever. This clearly shows the continuing demand and need for investment in sports facilities. I was delighted when the sports capital programme was reinstated in 2012. I commend the Minister of State for this reinstatement and acknowledge the major role he played in restoring grants after a gap of four years. Long may they continue to be paid. In 2011 the Minister of State was the main instigator and many thousands of sports clubs, including GAA, soccer, boxing, gun and badminton clubs, have improved their facilities as a result. The Government has since invested over €100 million under the sports capital programme, which funding has provided a major boost for clubs throughout the country from Malin Head to Mizen Head and from Carlingford, where I live, to Clifden. The islands have also benefited. I cannot underestimate or over-emphasise the importance of the grants to communities the length and breadth of the country. I know that the Minister of State recognises the major benefits the programme has brought to clubs throughout the country and encourage him to continue to support the programme. Every time I listen to him he speaks with gusto. He is passionate about sport and improving sports facilities throughout the land. I congratulate him in this regard and wish him continued success.