John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of additional sports funding that will be provided in 2007; his views on whether it is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40841/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The recently published Abridged Estimates of Public Expenditure for 2007 provides for a total budget of over €316 million for sport, an increase of 30% over 2006. The breakdown of the allocations under each of the subheads is outlined in the publication.

I am satisfied that this level of investment following on a period of significant funding for sport

will continue to improve the level and nature of our sporting infrastructure at national, regional and local level throughout the country,

will enable the Irish Sports Council to roll out the programmes and initiatives required to improve standards of performance in sport and increase the levels of participation as outlined in the Council's 3 year Strategy, and

will support the activities of Bord na gCon and Horseracing Ireland in the development of these important industries.

This continued unprecedented level of investment in sport is clear evidence of the importance which the Government attaches to the putting in place of modern well equipped and well managed sporting facilities supported by a wide range of programmes which are having a real benefit to our communities.