Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the commencement of a national audit of sports facilities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21060/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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As I have previously indicated, the steering group overseeing this work has decided that the audit will be undertaken in a number of phases to speed up the availability of information. Phase one of the audit will establish a record of national and regional sports facilities and is being carried out within my Department.

The work currently being undertaken by my Department is a data gathering exercise in conjunction with the main sporting bodies and local authorities to identify the facilities for inclusion in this phase. Once this list is finalised a detailed questionnaire seeking the necessary information on the sports facilities will issue to facility owners and managers which will be used to establish a comprehensive database.

The intention is that by ascertaining and mapping what is already in place, an important part of developing a strategic approach to future facility provision is put in place as well as establishing the level of need that still exists in the sports sector and helping to determine future priorities. This first phase of the audit is expected to be completed by the end of the year in advance of the 2007 sports capital programme.