Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the local sports partnerships established in 2008; the number of people employed in these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24578/08]

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 (ISC) 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 (LSPs) are charged with increasing participation in sport 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 on a national basis. There are currently 29 LSPs fully operational, employing a total of 81 people, two of whom are employed on a part-time basis. The remaining four sites in the national network are finalising recruitment arrangements. Five of the total of 29 LSPs were established in 2008 (in Cavan, Louth, Cork City, Galway County and Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown). These five LSPs employ a total of nine people, one of whom is employed on a part-time basis.