Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of local sports partnerships that are currently active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17657/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Agreed Programme for Government commits to the roll out of the Local Sports Partnership programme on a nationwide basis to provide for the development of sport at local level. The Irish Sports Council has a statutory role in the promotion and development of sport, including initiatives such as the Local Sports Partnership network, through which sports initiatives at local level are delivered and coordinated.

The Local Sports Partnerships are charged with increasing participation at a local level, ensuring that local resources are used to best effect and making sure that the experiences of participants in sport are positive.

Following an independent review of the LSPs by Fitzpatrick Associates in 2005, the then Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, gave approval to the ISC to extend the LSP network from 2006 on a national basis. Accordingly, funding has been provided to the ISC to facilitate continued extension of the network.

The ISC has informed me that there are currently 29 LSPs fully operational, with coordinators in place, and the remaining four sites are finalising recruitment arrangements. All 33 LSPs should be fully operational by July 2008.

The Irish Sports Council provides support and advice to the LSPs and is working to create productive relationships with the local sports coordinators, including the creation of a coordinators network. The ISC has provided training to the LSPs and will continue to provide regular information and training updates. The ISC is also involved in the development of specific programmes, courses and resource materials for the LSPs.