Written answers

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Sport and Recreational Development

Photo of Colm BrophyColm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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55. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the publication of the new national sports policy. [25269/18]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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In line with responses that have previously been given to this House in response to similar questions, the new national sports policy in nearing completion and will be published shortly, following its consideration by Government.

A very thorough and comprehensive process has been followed in the preparation of this new policy, which will set out Ireland’s Vision for Sport in 2027 and the steps required to achieve this vision.

The consultative approach taken in relation to this policy is worthy of emphasis. We have had the benefit of over 50 submissions received as a result of a very useful public consultation process undertaken in late 2016. These submissions came from a wide range of stakeholders with a strong interest in the future of Irish sport, including Government departments, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and private individuals. I wish to formally record my appreciation of all those stakeholders that took the time and effort to give us their views.

Following close examination of these submissions, further meetings were held with certain stakeholders throughout the drafting of the Policy document. This in-depth process has informed decision making on the key challenges faced by the sport sector, and the complex issues that arise in addressing them.

I have previously outlined some key themes which emerged during this valuable process including:

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

- The need for increased investment in sport, both in lifelong participation programmes as well as 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 Sports Facilities locally, regionally and nationally.

The new policy will be published next month and the important themes that I have just mentioned will feature prominently, as well as some other important aspects of sport such as integrity in sport, governance and capacity building, and research and evaluation.

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