Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on establishing a steering committee to co-ordinate Irish participation in the 2012 Olympic Games in line with the recent recommendations of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8198/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the recommendations of the recent report of the joint Oireachtas committee in relation to the staging of the Olympic Games in London 2012. Currently, I am finalising arrangements for the establishment of a committee to ensure that Ireland can capitalise on the opportunities which will be presented as a consequence of the allocation of the 2012 Olympic Games to London. This committee will address the issues outlined by the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in its report Ireland and the Olympics: From Athens to London.

There are currently a number of measures in place aimed at providing a co-ordinated structure for Irish participants in the Olympic and Paralympic Games both in Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Arising from the Athens Review 2005, the Irish Sports Council put together an operational plan, which identifies key performance indicators, timescales and costings and the roles of the various agencies in supporting Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic preparations for Beijing and London. The plan encompasses elements such as the introduction of targeted sport performance plans including prioritising junior, development and elite athletes; a review of the international carding scheme; proposals for the development of an Irish institute of sport; maintaining and enhancing the role of the Olympic and Paralympic Performance Committees to ensure optimum co-operation in the preparation and performance of the Irish team for the Beijing and London Olympic Games; and the strengthening of the Olympic Council of Ireland's administrative capability.

The Olympic Performance Committee and the Paralympic Performance Committees have recently met on a number of occasions in this regard. The meetings have focused on strengthening co-operation between the key agencies and on athlete preparation, particularly in relation to pre-games training camps, acclimatisation and full medical and science support. The Sports Council is also finalising its proposals for the development of an Irish institute of sport. The planned facilities at the sports campus at Abbotstown and the considerable progress being made in providing a network of high quality facilities throughout the country will deliver the infrastructure needed for the further development of our elite competitors.

I am confident that this path of long-term programme delivery by the ISC will ensure maximum return from the opportunities provided by London 2012 and provide a legacy in high performance sport.