Vol. 503 No. 4
24 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the reason a person from his Department was appointed as secretary of the National Stadium Steering Committee; the length of time the secretary has devoted to this task; the cost to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9576/99]
As I said in the House in reply to the same question from Deputy Bruton on 16 December last, the work of my Department involves, to a significant extent, the initiation and co-ordination of strategic cross-departmental initiatives and this is reflected in the Department's statement of strategy. The Department sees itself working in partnership with other Departments, offices and agencies in carrying out this role. This necessitates close relationships and a high degree of cross-departmental co-operation with them.
The announcement by the Government on 13 October last that it had agreed to commission a feasibility study for the development of a stadium for the new century is an example of such initiatives. The concept for the stadium involves a design and quality that will make an inspirational statement about Ireland and its people as we enter the new century. The nature of this high prestige initiative is such that it will require cross-departmental and cross-organisational co-ordination and my Department is best placed to do that.
There is a significant time commitment involved and the official concerned has undertaken this task in addition to his normal duties. The question of any additional resources is being kept under review as the project proceeds. The main cost to my Department will be the cost of the feasibility study which will be £380,033 or euro 485,542. In addition there will be administrative costs arising from the work of the stadium steering committee.
