Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will send a delegation to 2008 Beijing Olympics to actively promote Ireland as a destination for training prior to the London Olympics in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19689/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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A London 2012 Task Force was established in August 2006 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 included experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and was supported by staff within my Department. The selection of London as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games offers opportunities, which could be availed of by Ireland in the areas of tourism, business, sport and culture. The Task Force's focus has been on:

(i) assessing the quality and suitability of Ireland's sporting and ancillary infrastructure in terms of its appeal to countries and athletes preparing to take part in the London Olympics and Paralympics;

(ii) completing an economic evaluation of the potential impacts in the sectors of tourism, business and sport arising from Ireland's proximity to the 2012 Games; and

(iii) identifying other beneficial spin-offs from the Olympics and Paralympics.

The Task Force has now submitted its report and I will be considering its findings and recommendations. The issue raised by the Deputy will be considered in this context.