Vol. 495 No. 5
162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his attention has been drawn to the inadequacy of sporting facilities, with particular reference to centres of growing urban population; the plans, if any, he has to initiate a programme to bring these facilities up to the standard available in other European countries, with particular reference to the youth population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20804/98]
The sports capital programme is currently being reviewed by my Department. Among the priorities of the new programme will be to promote a more strategic approach to the use of available resources for sport and recreation, particularly in areas of greatest need, and to assist with the creation of opportunities to participate in sport and recreation through access to facilities and activities, especially for young people. The equitable distribution of funds throughout the country will continue to be a priority for my Department.
When the review is completed, which I expect will be towards the end of 1998, details of the new schemes will be widely publicised and it will then be open to clubs and organisations to apply for funding under the new programme.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the purpose of the young people's facilities and services fund to which the Government has committed £30 million over the next three years, is to develop youth facilities, including sport and recreation facilities, and services in disadvantaged areas of major urban centres, where a drug problem exists or has the potential to develop, with a view to attracting young people in those areas into more healthy and productive pursuits.
My Department, which has responsibility for the co-ordination of the Government's National Drugs Strategy, also chairs the assessment committee which will assess plans and proposals under the fund. This committee will make recommendations to the Government via the Cabinet Committee on Social inclusion in relation to the allocation of funding.
