Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects the task force set up to examine possible opportunities, identify the priority areas of interest and map out a strategy to ensure that Ireland maximises this unique opportunity to benefit from its proximity to London in 2012, will issue its report; the cost of the task force and this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25791/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, my predecessor established a London 2012 Task Force to ensure Ireland can identify and maximise the complete range of opportunities arising from our proximity to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. This Task Force includes experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and is supported by staff within my Department. One of the first pieces of work that the Task Force carried out was an audit of high quality sports facilities suitable to attract international athletes to train in the years leading up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In parallel with this audit and to better inform the future work of the Task Force, my Department appointed Indecon International Economic Consultants to carry out an economic evaluation of the benefit to the island of Ireland of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. This evaluation has now been completed and the Task Force is considering the findings and recommendations. I expect to receive the recommendations of the Task Force in the near future. The cost of the Task Force to date is €77,000.