I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 128 and 134 together.
I outlined in my response to Priority Questions Nos. 2 and 3 the position in regard to the provision of stadia to meet the needs of the major field sports, in particular soccer and rugby where there is an urgent need to provide modern all-seat stadium accommodation. In the absence of such facilities, the Football Association of Ireland will be faced with a major dilemma next year in meeting the requirements of FIFA for all-seat stadia for our home fixtures in the qualifying competition for the 2006 World Cup Finals. The Irish Rugby Football Union, for its part, needs to expand and upgrade capacity for international rugby fixtures in order to fund the development of the game of rugby in Ireland.
I recently met representatives of the FAI and the IRFU and have asked them to consider all the options open to them for meeting their stadium requirements and to submit these proposals to me in that regard within a month.
I will report to the Government in the near future on the evaluation of the expressions of interest received in procuring a privately financed stadium at Abbotstown. I will incorporate in that report my assessment of whatever proposal is tabled by the FAI and IRFU.
With regard to the development of sports facilities throughout the country, the Government continues to provide funding for the development of sporting facilities under the sports capital programme and I will announce the 2003 programme in March. As in previous years, the funding of facilities under the sports capital programme will be available to benefit suitable projects for a wide range of sporting activities throughout the country.