Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the work of the high level co-ordinating group which is identifying opportunities that might arise from the proximity of the London Olympics and paralympic games in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1542/12]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update in the discussion on the efforts to have teams and supporters visit Ireland and use facilities here during and in the run up to the London Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1548/12]

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has any plans in respect of London Olympics 2012 to attract foreign teams to Ireland for pre-Olympic training; his views on the enormous potential for Ireland in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1713/12]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 57 and 252 together.

As the Deputies are aware, I am chairing the London 2012 Coordinating Group which comprises representatives from the Irish Sports Council, Paralympics Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Arts Council, Culture Ireland, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The biggest potential benefits around the London Games have been identified in the enterprise and tourism sectors and these are being actively pursued. Enterprise Ireland is pursuing opportunities for Irish business and Tourism Ireland has been rolling out a programme of promotional activity to target a wide range of potential visitors around the world in the run-up to and during the Games. The cultural agencies are also developing proposals for a cultural programme around the Games.

A number of international teams have chosen the National Aquatic Centre as a training base in the lead up to the London Games which is a reflection of the world-class calibre of the facility. My Department is working on attracting other teams to train here and a CD, containing details of a number of Irish elite sports facilities which are suitable as training camps, has been widely circulated internationally. A difficulty that arises in attracting teams is that the UK is offering financial incentives to international teams to train in the UK in the lead up to the Games. The London 2012 Coordinating Group will continue to meet in the coming year with the relevant Government Departments and State Agencies continuing to work together to maximise the opportunities across each of the sectors.