Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received a copy of the Economic and Social Research Institute's report, the Social and Economic Value of Sport in Ireland; his views on its main findings; his plans to implement the report's key recommendation that future policy must respect and support the social aspects of sport and take into account community involvement and the general contribution to the effective functioning of society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28309/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I had the privilege last week of officially launching the ESRI Report, Social and Economic Value of Sport in Ireland, a research project which was also undertaken as part of the Irish Sports Council's research programme.

This report makes a major contribution to the future development of Irish sports policy. While previous studies and our own experiences attest to the significant role of sport in the social and economic life of our country, this major report addresses a vital gap in our knowledge in terms of measuring the impact and importance of sport in Ireland. It makes a most persuasive case for the contribution of sport to Irish society.

It is worth pointing out that Irish sports policy, its funding and its programmes have always been firmly grounded on the fundamental principle that sport belongs to the community and to the citizen. Government support for sport is predicated on the need for tolerance, mutual respect, fair play and equal access for everybody. Sports policy and funding helps to foster the social and health benefits to both the individual and to society in Ireland.

The ESRI report estimates that the social aspects of sport have an economic value of €1.4 billion. The report concludes that sport is a major contributor to social capital in Ireland today. This is largely based on the volunteer contribution to sport, with three people engaged in support activities for every four actively participating. It is striking that 400,000 people, or 15% of the population, should offer their services in a voluntary way to sport.

The Irish Sports Council, consistent with its statutory remit, has placed strong emphasis on undertaking a comprehensive programme of research. This essential and valuable work will increase our understanding of the shape and dynamics of sport in Ireland and I look forward to the next phase, with the Children's Participation research to be published later this month.

I am confident that, given the level of investment and commitment to sport by the Government, Irish sport will do even better in the future. The Government's budget for sport this year is over €149 million, as compared with the amount of just €17.4 million in 1997. This hugely increased investment in sport and recreation has resulted in a considerably enhanced range and quality of programmes and top class facilities from national level to local community centres, clubs and public facilities throughout the country. We are already beginning to see the benefits of this phenomenal increase in new investment in sport and we will continue to reap the benefits as time goes on.

The sports capital grant scheme operated by my Department has a major impact on the delivery of sport in every corner of the country, providing the facilities that allow programmes and activities take place that will bring and keep young people in sport. Crucially, the funding allocated provides essential support and encouragement to the thousands of volunteers involved in sport throughout the country. The programme has, since 1998, allocated funding of €386 million to 4,897 projects to provide badly needed facilities and equipment in virtually every parish, village, town and city, ranging from community centres and facilities for small local clubs in every sport to national sports centres.

A review of sports capital programme expenditure for the period 1999 to 2002 recently completed by the Department has shown that the sports capital programme has been a powerful catalyst in building sporting and community infrastructure, demonstrating the benefits of increased funding in recent years to sport in local communities all over the country. It shows that every €1 of Government expenditure has supported the equivalent of an additional €2.7 corresponding investment by sports clubs, community groups, schools, college and local authorities. Bringing this ratio up to date indicates that total sports capital programme expenditure between 1999 and 2005 of €316 million is supporting a total investment of almost €1.2 billion in sports and community facilities in this period.

The budget for the Irish Sports Council has increased from €13.2 million in 2000, its first full year of operation, to €34.4 million in 2005. This level of funding is enabling the council to support a wide range of programmes and initiatives aimed at increasing the involvement of people of all ages in sport and promoting social cohesion and enhanced community involvement in all aspects of sport.

The results of the ESRI research make a persuasive case for acknowledging the unique contribution of sport to our sense of national well-being. I welcome its publication.