David Stanton
Question:142 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the value of sport to communities and to individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5705/03]
Written Answers - Benefits of Sport.
Sport has a very significant contribution to make in terms of raising our health levels and in weaning young people off anti-social behaviour and drugs misuse. All of us are in some way enriched and uplifted when sporting excellence is achieved by our leading sportsmen and women at home and abroad.
The Irish Sports Council, which was established as a statutory body in July 1999, plays a leading role in encouraging the sustainable development of sport in Ireland. Many of its most successful initiatives have contributed to breaking down barriers and increasing participation in sport.
The local sports partnership initiative aims to co-ordinate and promote the development sport at local level. By the end of 2002, 12 partnerships had been established around Ireland. All are actively developing plans with the local communities to increase participation in sport. Approximately €1.5 million was allocated to the partnerships in 2002 to assist them with their work.
The sport for young people grant scheme is aimed at promoting sporting opportunities for young people, particularly those in areas of social and economic disadvantage and those who are marginalised and at risk. Grants totalling €891,600 were allocated under this scheme in 2002.
Buntús Play and Buntús Multi Sport are two exciting programmes developed to support teachers and other adults in introducing young people to sport and helping to develop their interest. These programmes will initially be delivered by teachers in schools in support of the physical education curriculum and they provide opportunities for young people to take part in sport, regardless of their ability, gender, ethnicity or background.
The sport for older people scheme aims to increase participation among older people in recreational sport and activities. The scheme has three elements, the active living programme, sports participation programme and national grant scheme. In 2002, over €300,000 was made available through the grant scheme to almost 500 local groups to enable them to buy sports equipment, organise training programmes and sports festivals.
Under the recreational sport programme, the council works with the Irish Heart Foundation to provide accessible activities to all people regardless of age, gender or ability through involving families, workplaces and communities. Grants were allocated to Slí na Sláinte, which is concerned with developing accessible walkways in local areas and training local leaders to increase their usage and to Lifestyle Change, which aims to encourage Irish employees and community groups to take up a programme of regular exercise for at least 12 weeks. In 2002, 27 companies and three community groups, a total of 1,800 people, registered for the Lifestyle Challenge.
Sports Council funding to the national governing bodies of sport is used to develop services, provide better coaching, support for international competition and training and provision of professional staff. In addition, several of these governing bodies, such as those for tennis, canoeing and badminton have established youth sport programmes. In 2002, the council also provided funding totalling almost €7 million to the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU to encourage and promote greater underage participation in soccer, Gaelic games and rugby.
In recognition of the importance which it attaches to sport and the benefits which accrue, in particular from active participation in sport, the Government has, over the past five years invested €213 million in supporting almost 3,000 projects which provide sporting facilities for communities throughout the country. In addition, through the local authority swimming pool programme, swimming facilities have been provided in many locations and further pools are at various stages of development.
Sport is now acknowledged by Government as having a major impact on all our lives and the overall budget for sport has increased from just over €17 million in 1997 to over €160 million in 2002 and this level of funding is expected to continue into 2003.