Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1091: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to roll out the local sports partnership programme on a nationwide basis to promote the development of sport at community level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1092: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to complete, in conjunction with the local sports partnerships, a national audit of local sports facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29338/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1093: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to put in place a long-term strategic plan to ensure the development of necessary local facilities throughout the country, followed by a year on year monitoring of the improvements delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29339/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1094: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to prioritise sports capital programme grants towards those areas identified as most in need of funding and facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29340/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1095: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to fund Special Olympics clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29341/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1096: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to support a new local authority swimming pool programme, prioritising need and disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29342/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1097: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to continue to support the Irish Sports Council as the statutory agency for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29343/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1098: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to promote a national advertising campaign highlighting the health benefits of sport and exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29345/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1099: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to change the application criteria of the sports capital grants programme in order that only 10% of own funding or contribution is needed in cases in which applicants are located in a recognised area of urban disadvantage such as RAPID and a local drugs task force area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29346/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1100: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to ensure accessibility as a key component in the provision of sports and recreational facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29347/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1101: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to further develop the Sports Campus Ireland at Abbotstown incorporating the Irish Institute of Sport and including the development of a new 25,000 seater stadium to accommodate athletics and field sports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29348/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1102: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to provide a national stadium at Lansdowne Road in order that the national rugby and soccer teams have a first rate facility in which to play their games; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29349/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1103: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to support elite athletes in preparation for the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and develop proposals for Ireland to be used as a base for other national teams in advance of the London Games in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29350/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1104: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to continue with the implementation of effective and modern anti-doping programmes here which have earned recognition internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29351/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1105: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to produce a Green Paper on animal welfare in sport and recreation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29352/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1106: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to promote greater sharing of school and community sports facilities and to make it a condition of the sports capital programme that facilities be made available to schools where appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29356/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1107: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to encourage more schools to apply for funding under the sports capital programme by collaborating with their local sports clubs and community groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29357/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1108: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to initiate a financial support package aimed at introducing primary school children to swimming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29358/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1109: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to ensure that local sports partnerships have an official dedicated to the promotion of girls and women's involvement in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29359/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1110: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to appoint a member of the Irish Sports Council to deal with all aspects of women in sport including the gender proofing of all Sports Council decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29360/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1111: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to establish a forum on female participation in sport in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council to make recommendations on all issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29361/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1112: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to create an annual women's sports award scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29362/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1113: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to recognise the importance of volunteerism in the promotion of sport through the expansion of the volunteer awards scheme for persons in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29363/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1091 to 1113, inclusive, together.

The five-year programme for Government includes a series of commitments, in respect of sport, for achievement in the period to 2012. I am pleased to say that action is being taken in a progressive and gradual manner in these areas to ensure these targets are met in the lifetime of the Government. A comprehensive statement is set out below as a schedule to this reply outlining the position on the issues raised by the Deputy.

Roll out the Local Sports Partnership programme on a nationwide basis to promote the development of sport at community level. [29337/08]

The Local Sports Partnerships network is now fully established in 33 different areas throughout the country. These will now act as a conduit to allow for the delivery of programmes and training to local communities.

Complete, in conjunction with the Local Sports Partnerships, a national audit of local sports facilities. [29338/08]

Put in place a long-term strategic plan to ensure the development of necessary local facilities throughout the country, followed by a year on year monitoring of improvements delivered. [29339/08]

Ensure accessibility as a key component in the provision of sports and recreational facilities. [29347/08]

The nationwide audit of sports facilities is ongoing and is being carried out in stages to help speed up the availability of information. Phase one, which focuses on national and regional sports facilities, has now been completed within my Department. Phase two of the audit, which is a more complex undertaking to establish a record of existing sports facilities at local level and identifying the need for future provision, is being undertaken during 2008 with the assistance of Local Authorities. Guidelines have been issued to Local Authorities to assist them in carrying out the audit.

The audit is part of a wider exercise to put in place a more strategic approach to the provision of sports facilities in Ireland. Work on the National Sports Facilities Strategy is at an advanced stage in my Department. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment/grant assistance at national, regional and local level. It is intended to identify the facilities requirement for sport so that participation at reasonable cost is feasible for those who wish to engage in sport at either amateur or elite level.

The issue of strengthening the requirements of accessibility in the provision of sports and recreational facilities will be addressed in the context of the National Sports Facilities Strategy and in future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department.

Prioritise Sports Capital Programme Grants towards those areas identified as most in need of funding/facilities. [29340/08]

Change the application criteria of the Sports Capital Programme grants to require only 10% of own funding / contribution where applicants are located in a recognised area of urban disadvantage such as RAPID and a Local Drugs Task Force area. [29346/08]

Promote greater sharing of school and community sports facilities and make it a condition of the Sports Capital Programme that facilities be made available to schools where appropriate. [29356/08]

Encourage more schools to apply for funding under the Sports Capital Programme by collaborating with their local sports clubs, and/or community groups. [29357/08]

Through the Sports Capital Programme, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 Programme was advertised in January and 1,453 applications were received before the deadline. Allocations were made to 685 projects at the end of July 2008. The details of which are available on the Department's website dast.gov.ie.

For the 2008 Sports Capital Programme the Department introduced a number of changes to implement key commitments contained in the Agreed Programme for Government.

The level of own funding required from applicants in urban disadvantaged areas has been reduced from 20% to 10%. This covers applicants from RAPID and Local Drugs Task Force areas. This change is in keeping with the Government's commitment to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas. When completed, the National Sports Facility Strategy and the National Sports Facility Audit which is currently underway will further help to direct the provision of facilities to areas most in need of funding and facilities.

The Programme for Government also contains important commitments to promote greater sharing of sports facilities between schools and local sports clubs. Under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme, schools making joint applications with local sports clubs are required to provide evidence of formal agreements with local clubs that guarantees the clubs access to school facilities for at least 30 hours per week throughout the year. In assessing applications, extra marks are also awarded to sports clubs that can show that they are allowing local schools to use their facilities. I intend to discuss with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, how his programme for the provision of sports halls in schools and the Sports Capital Programme might be dovetailed to provide greater value for money and enhanced facilities both for schools and the local community users.

The inter-agency steering group, established to oversee the development of a National Sports Facilities Strategy, includes representation from the Department of Education & Science. The work of this group has included discussions with the Department of Education & Science on how its policy on the provision of sports hall facilities and my Department's policy for the provision of sports facilities might be complementary.

Fund Special Olympics clubs. [29341/08]

In 2008 Special Olympics Ireland received €2,849,188 to support the organisation. This is the largest allocation outside of the allocations to the GAA, the IRFU and the FAI.

Support a new Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, prioritising need and disadvantage. [29342/08]

A sum of €184m has been provided in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 to support existing projects in the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme and for new projects to be selected following the launch of a new round of the Programme. The current round of the Programme, which closed in July 2000, has made noteworthy progress over the last 8 years when consideration is given to the lead in time in the development of pool projects. Under the round, 36 projects have been completed and opened to the public, 9 other pools, which have been allocated funding, are under construction throughout the country and another 12 are at various stages of development. A total of €123.9m has been spent over the last 8 years under the Programme and a total of €20 million is provided for this year.

A Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme was carried out by the Department to examine, among other things, how the Programme has worked to date, and what changes, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. Arrangements are being finalised for the publication of the report. Given the current economic climate, it is not intended to launch a new Programme at this time. However, the recommendations in the Value for Money & Policy Review Report will be considered in the context of any new round of the Programme.

Continue to support the Irish Sports Council as the statutory agency for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport. [29343/08]

The Irish Sports Council, which was established on a statutory basis in 1999, has witnessed a major increase in the levels of funding from the Department from €13.5m in 2000 to over €57m in 2008. Further support will be dependant on the levels of resources available in the annual Estimates for Public Services.

Promote a national advertising campaign highlighting the health benefits of sport and exercise. [29345/08]

This is being considered by the Irish Sports Council as part of the development of a Participation Strategy. Discussions have also taken place with the HSE in relation to possible co-operation in this area.

Further develop the Sports Campus Ireland development at Abbotstown — incorporating the Irish Institute of Sport — and including the development of a new 25,000 seater stadium to accommodate athletics and field sports. [29348/08]

Following the completion of the move by the FAI to the former State Laboratory building at Abbotstown last year, work has been advanced on providing a headquarters for the Irish Institute of Sport. This involves refurbishing an existing building on the Abbotstown site. Construction is expected to commence shortly and the Irish Institute of Sport is expected to move into its new HQ in early 2009.

Following the appointment by the NSCDA in April last of Project Management and Design Teams, detailed plans for Phase 1 of the Campus are being prepared and it is estimated that an application for Planning Permission will be lodged with Fingal County Council before the end of 2008.

The facilities planned for the first phase of the project include:

A National Field Sports Training Centre catering for rugby, soccer, Gaelic games and hockey;

A multi-sport National Indoor Training Centre which will provide world class training facilities for over 20 sports;

Sports science and medical facilities;

Accommodation for sports men and women; and

All-weather synthetic pitches for community recreational access.

The facilities being provided in Phase 1 do not include a 25,000-seater stadium. Any proposal to include such a facility will be considered in the context of later phases of the Campus project and will be subject to economic conditions and the prevailing public finances.

Provide a National Stadium at Lansdowne Road so that our National Rugby and Soccer teams have a first-rate facility in which to play their games. [29349/08]

The development of the new stadium at Lansdowne Road is proceeding satisfactorily and is on schedule for completion during 2010.

I visited the site recently and was most impressed by the rate of progress being made on the construction. I look forward to the opening of what will be a superb sports facility during 2010.

Support elite athletes in preparation for the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and develop proposals for Ireland to be used as a base for other national teams in advance of the London Games. [29350/08]

The amount of funding available for spending on sport in 2008 is €336 million, which demonstrates a clear and substantial commitment to investment in sport by this Government. The Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, has statutory responsibility for encouraging the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport and the achievement of excellence in competitive sport. In 2008 my Department has allocated €57 million to the ISC, an increase since the last Olympic/Paralympic year of €26 million. This allowed the ISC to provide high performance support for elite athletes of over €9 million in 2008 and over €30 million in this Olympic and Paralympic cycle.

The ISC works in partnership with the Irish Institute of Sport, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Paralympic Council of Ireland and the relevant governing bodies of sport in the preparation of Irish athletes for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The planning for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games was comprehensive and well funded with plans implemented by top quality professionals at every step. The performances of the Irish Olympic and Paralympic teams in Beijing exceeded the targets set by the ISC prior to the Games.

I intend to meet with the key stakeholders involved in the support of our elite athletes to discuss how we can best build on the success we had in Beijing and the supports required in terms of coaching, programmes, facilities and funding to ensure the optimum performance of Irish athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics 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. The Task Force included experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and was supported by staff within my Department.

The Task Force report makes a number of recommendations arising from an audit carried out of high quality sports facilities in Ireland and the findings of a report by Indecon International Economic Consultants on the economic evaluation of the benefit to the island of Ireland of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

The report highlights the opportunities for Ireland from the London 2012 Games in the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors. On the sporting side the report puts forward proposals for investment in sports facilities, which would increase our attractiveness as a training destination for Olympic teams in the lead up and during the games. In this context, I consider that the completion of Phase One of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown will be of tremendous benefit in the short term to our athletes as they prepare for the London Games and as a venue for other countries to train. I understand that enquiries have already been made about the availability of sports facilities here for some Olympic teams.

During my recent attendance at the Beijing Olympics I had informal discussions with Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Olympic Games Organising Committee to discuss what role Ireland can play in the games. I will shortly be meeting with him in London to continue with our discussions.

I will consider the implementation of the recommendations of the London 2012 Task Force Report in the context of the annual Estimates cycle and taking account of the current economic situation.

Continue with the implementation of our effective and modern anti-doping programmes, which have earned well-deserved recognition internationally. [29351/08]

Ireland's national anti-doping programme is administered by the Irish Sports Council.

My Department funds the ISC on an annual basis and has allocated over €57 million to the Council in 2008. This includes funding to enable the ISC to meet its statutory function to combat doping in sport.

In supporting sport the Government insists that it must be based on fair and ethical principles. The ISC has put in place a comprehensive and effective Anti-Doping Programme, one that the Government strongly endorses and which is recognised internationally as an outstanding model of its type. Ireland also contributes to the international efforts against drugs in sport through our support for the Copenhagen Declaration on Anti-Doping, the Council of Europe Anti-Doping Convention, WADA — the World Anti-Doping Agency and the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport.

Produce a Green Paper on Animal Welfare in Sport and Recreation. [29352/08]

The most effective process for giving effect to this commitment will be considered in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

Initiate a financial support package aimed at introducing primary school children to swimming. [29358/08]

The commitment in the Programme for Government aims to initiate a financial support package directed at introducing primary school children to swimming. Such a support package would be focused primarily on the costs of transport to and from pools.

The Department has initiated discussions with the Department of Education and Science on how best to progress this commitment.

Ensure that Local Sports Partnerships have an official dedicated to the promotion of girls and women's involvement in sport. [29359/08]

Appoint a member of the Irish Sports Council to deal with all aspects of women in sport, including the gender proofing of all Sports Council decisions. [29360/08]

Establish a Forum on Female Participation in Sport in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council to make recommendations on all issues. [29361/08]

Create an Annual Women's Sports Award Scheme. [29362/08]

The Women in Sport Programme has received significant Government funding since it was launched in 2005. Through the Women in Sport programme, the Government supports the work of the Irish Sports Council in encouraging women — young and old alike — to become involved in sport as participants, players, officials and administrators.

All LSP staff are fully aware of the need to involve more women and girls in sport and dedicated funding has been made available to operate innovative projects at LSP level to encourage more females into becoming active. In light of the level of funding made available to LSPs it would not be possible to appoint Women in Sport officers in all 33 sites. However LSPs do work closely with the Women in Sport officers that have been appointed by NGBs such as Special Olympics, Badminton, FAI and IRFU.

An officer of the ISC is assigned to looking after all aspects of the Women in Sport Programme. This is not the sole responsibility of this person but all areas of the WIS Programme are under their remit.

Representatives of the ISC have attended international conferences on Women in Sport where examples of best practice were discussed.

From this year the ISC will sponsor the Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year awards.

Recognise the importance of volunteerism in the promotion of sport through the expansion of our Volunteer Awards scheme for persons in sport. [29363/08]

The first programme of National Awards to Volunteers in Sport was successfully held in 2007. The Awards recognises and encourages the work of volunteers and reaches out to potential new volunteers. I hope to commence a second programme shortly subject to available resources.