asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, to provide a national sports centre in Ireland similar to those provided abroad.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Sports Centre.
22.
I have no immediate plans to provide a national sports centre in Ireland but I am keeping the matter under review in the context of the provision of amenities to cater for the expanding public interest in physical education.
Would the Minister see that as part of the long-term proposals for the development of sports?
I would see it as part of my short-term proposals. Having regard to the expenditure which has occurred and bearing in mind the investment that has been made and is being made in the provision of recreational and sporting activities, I would see all the more the need for a national sports stadium.
Would the Minister see that developing in expanded provision of facilities at Santry?
At present we are working on the provision of a tartan track at Santry. We have already spent money on what has been described as a rescue operation. We are spending at present £450,000—that is Dublin County Council and Corporation and myself—in what I am hoping is stage one of the plan towards providing a national sports stadium.
May I have the Minister's assurance that he will be seeking extra finance to provide for stage two and any following stages?
There are some moneys available to me which give me freedom to move from my present position but I do not want to promise beyond that which I am quite certain I can deliver.
Could the Minister give any indication whether he might give any serious consideration to the thought of offering Ireland as the venue for future Olympic Games?
If the Deputy familiarises himself with all the demands involved in hosting the Olympic Games he would realise that in circumstances where we have not yet provided a tartan track in the west, we are not likely to aspire to that great moment.