Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Local Partnerships.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

62 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress made to date with regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness regarding the establishment of sports and recreational partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11982/01]

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

The creation of local partnerships as envisaged by Government and the social partners in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness has now been incorporated by the Irish Sports Council in its Statement of Strategy, 2000-2002. This sets out the pathway which will be followed by the council in the creation of such partnerships as a means of creating sustainable sports development infrastructure at local level.

Following an initial selection process, the first eight local partnerships have been selected by the council. These will be announced shortly and be established in May 2001, following a competitive selection process run by the Irish Sports Council. Among the criteria taken into account in the selection process were the commitment of local statutory agencies and community and voluntary groups to the partnership approach and their plans for including those from disadvantaged communities in their activities.

Questions Nos. 63 to 67, inclusive, answered with Question No. 54.