Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The public consultation process for the new National Sports Policy, to which Deputy O'Keeffe refers, was a most useful exercise. It resulted in the receipt of 54 submissions from a wide range of stakeholders including Government departments, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and private individuals.

My Department and I have closely examined the content of these submissions. The Deputy may be interested to note a number of the key themes emerging from the consultation process, including in particular:

- The vital role of education and training in the delivery of sports measures;

- The need for increased investment in sport, focusing on lifelong participation programmes as well as additional support for high performance athletes.

- The need for greater Cross-Sectoral Co-operation with sports stakeholders and relevant Government Departments, working more closely with Local Authorities in particular; and

- The importance of continued investment in improving Sports Facilities locally, regionally and nationally.

In addition to a careful  evaluation of all submissions, my officials have held a number of bilateral meetings with Government departments and other key stakeholders during the drafting process in order to inform decision making on the key challenges that confront the sector and the many complex issues that arise in relation to addressing those challenges.

I am pleased to indicate that this detailed work is nearing completion. Because of the complex, cross-sectoral nature of many of the issues relating to sport, I consider that the time taken to undertake this evaluation and consultation is very much worthwhile.  I hope to be in a position to submit the draft Policy for the approval of my Government colleagues in the coming weeks. If approved, it will be published very shortly thereafter.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy for his question concerning this important policy development. Its importance reflects the highly consultative process that has been followed by my Department. A public consultation was initiated in late 2016 and resulted in the receipt of 54 submissions from a wide range of stakeholders including Government departments, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and private individuals. As indicated earlier, I think this was a most useful exercise in consultation.

My Department and I have closely examined all of these submissions and I consider it appropriate that I should highlight for the information of Deputy McLoughlin a number of the key themes that emerged from the consultation process. These include:

- The important role of education and training in the delivery of sports measures;

- The requirement for increased investment in sport, focusing on lifelong participation programmes as well as additional support for high performance athletes.

- The need for greater Cross-Sectoral Co-operation with sports stakeholders and relevant Government Departments, working more closely with Local Authorities in particular; and

- The necessity for continued investment in improving Sports Facilities locally, regionally and nationally.

My Department has also held bilateral discussions with Government departments and other key stakeholders in order to inform decision making on the key challenges ahead for the sports sector.

I am pleased to indicate that the detailed evaluation and drafting work is nearing completion. Because of the complex, cross-sectoral nature of many of the issues relating to sport, I consider that the time taken to undertake this evaluation and consultation is time well spent. I hope to submit the draft Policy for the approval of my Government colleagues in the coming weeks. If approved, it will be published very shortly thereafter.