Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied with the standard of sporting facilities here; his views on whether this influenced the outcome for Irish athletes at Beijing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33772/08]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on action necessary to ensure that the Irish team is properly prepared for the 2012 Olympics in London; if he will appreciate that Ireland demands in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33569/08]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to build on the performance of the national team at the Beijing Olympics; if a review has been initiated of the performance to see the way to improve on training and preparation; if he will issue a report on these findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33775/08]

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to target increased funding towards the sports at which it is thought that we have a greater chance of success in view of the performance of the Irish Olympic boxing team in Beijing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33571/08]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will initiate a review of the performance of athletes at the Beijing Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33771/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 143, 151, 178 and 180 together.

Since 1998, over €700 million has been provided for the development of sporting facilities at national, regional and local levels. Through this investment my Department is funding the development of a network of top quality facilities around the country designed to meet the training, coaching and competition needs of our elite competitors in a wide spectrum of sports. Among the major projects, which have been supported are the National Aquatic Centre, the National Rowing Centre at Inniscarra, the National Tennis Centre at Glasnevin, the National Boxing Stadium and the National Hockey Stadium at UCD and a number of athletic facilities throughout the country.

The Irish Sports Council (ISC), 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 this regard 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 understand that the ISC has established a review group to examine the preparations and performances at the 2008 Beijing Games in order to prepare for the 2012 London Games. The overall aim of the review is to make recommendations to the ISC in respect of structures, programmes and investment policy which should be pursued based on the outcomes of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I also 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.