Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Oct 1997

Vol. 482 No. 1

Written Answers. - Recreation Facilities.

Ivor Callely

Question:

27 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are inadequate sport and recreation facilities available to young people, in particular aged between 16 and 20 years of age, which leaves them vulnerable to other activities; if his has discussed this matter with other authorities such as the Garda, local authorities and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17167/97]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

The Government recognises the value of sport and recreation activities and the important part such activities can play in fostering a sense of community identity and personal selfesteem, especially for those living in disadvantaged communities.

In an Action Programme for the Millennium, the Government acknowledges that tackling such problems requires a broad response across a number of key policy areas, including environment, education, health and social welfare. This board based approach is fully reflected in the role of the national drugs strategy team, the local development programme and the sports capital programme, all of which come within the remit of my own Department.

It is important to focus our policies on areas of most need when it comes to allocating scarce resources. In this context, the plans submitted by the local drugs task forces, while concentrating primarily on treatment and rehabilitation, include a number of proposals for the development of youth and sport amenities, recognising their importance as a major prevention strategy.

Over the coming months I intend to review our approach to the provision of sport and recreation facilities for vulnerable young people in order to provide a more focused, co-ordinated and coherent response to tackling disadvantage at a local community level. In this context, Deputy Flood, Minister of State at my Department, will be discussing these issues with all relevant players, including the Garda and the local authorities, as well as ensuring that the people in these communities have a real input to the development of solutions to problems in their areas.