Vol. 497 No. 5
319 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the evaluation, if any, carried out by his Department of the sporting and recreational needs, both passive and active in the State; the plans, if any, he has to ensure the provision of these facilities in proportion to need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25832/98]
320 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the degree to which the needs of various sports are met in terms of facilities; the plans, if any, he has to make further provisions in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25833/98]
322 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will ensure that indoor sports and recreational activities are sufficiently catered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25836/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 319, 320 and 322 together.
As Deputies will be aware, legislation is currently before the House regarding the creation of a new Sports Council which will have a number of functions, including to: encourage the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport; develop strategies for increasing participation in recreational sport and co-ordinate their implementation by all bodies involved in promoting recreational sport and providing recreational facilities and initiate and encourage research concerning competitive sport and where the council considers it appropriate to do so, concerning recreational sport. I hope to have the council up and running on a statutory basis during 1999.
