Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 405: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the contacts his Department has had with groups (details supplied) regarding the Genesis report, particularly on ground-sharing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10327/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The main thrust of the recent Genesis report, which was commissioned by the FAI, is that a radical reform of the Eircom League is required to secure its future. The implementation of the various recommendations put forward in the report across areas such as revised structures, marketing, community involvement and financial viability is clearly a matter for the Eircom League and the FAI to determine.

The improvement of facilities to ensure high-standard, safe, family-friendly stadia conforming with club licensing requirements is also identified as a key requirement. The report signalled the need for Dublin clubs to consider ground-sharing to secure the significant public investment required to provide modern city stadia necessary to attract higher attendances. It is in that context that the issue of ground-sharing among Dublin clubs has been discussed, among other issues, at meetings between me, my officials and the FAI.

I have indicated to the FAI, my desire to see the provision of two modest-sized modern football stadia in Dublin, attractive to spectators, which would be a great boost for football and the Eircom League. I am committed to the completion of the new soccer stadium in Tallaght, and I would support a similar development on Dublin's north side in an existing or new location. In that context, the FAI, is engaging in discussions with the main Dublin clubs to secure their agreement in principle to that concept and to identify the main issues arising to ensure its success.