Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if Ireland will have the facilities to attract top class athletes to these shores in the run up to the 2012 London Olympics; if there is funding for a new round of this programme in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41129/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he intends or anticipates becoming actively involved in the provision of facilities or strategic funding likely to be complimentary or germane to preparation for the Olympics in 2012, having particular regard to his responsibilities in respect of sports and recreation and the likelihood that he could set out basic policy guidelines that may be beneficially followed by the Olympic Council of Ireland or other sporting bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41216/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 100 together.

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. I understand that enquiries have already been made about the availability of sports facilities here for some Olympic teams.

I am considering the implementation of the recommendations of the London 2012 Task Force Report taking account of the current economic situation.

I have met with a number of the key stakeholders involved in the support of our elite athletes to discuss how we can best build on the success we have had in Beijing and to identify 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. I also intend to work closely with the Irish Sports Council to ensure that our athletes are prepared to the highest standard for the London Games.