Vol. 626 No. 3
5 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has made representations to the Department of Finance to reduce VAT on tourism products in budget 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34875/06]
The Deputy will be aware that issues of taxation are a matter for the Minister for Finance and that I am not at liberty to discuss the possible contents of the next budget.
Ireland has a distinct model of economic development. A key part of this model is a low direct tax take on income which is balanced by a higher tax take on consumption. This approach has proven very successful and I would be slow to advocate that we move away from it. For our overseas visitors, however, there is a different perspective. They pay VAT and excise duties on items consumed here but do not have the benefit of the lower direct taxes. We are conscious of this, particularly given the competitiveness challenge facing tourism in the recent past. For this reason, my Department maintains an active dialogue with the Department of Finance on certain budgetary fiscal issues bearing on the costs of tourist consumption.
In the previous budget, I am pleased to note there was no increase in the VAT and excise lines that impact on tourism. This is a benign outcome on the broad tourism front. On a narrower front, there are a few fiscal issues that we continue to pursue with the Department of Finance, one of which is the subject of a separate question later. All Ministers responsible for specific economic sectors would probably wish to improve the fiscal position of their sectors but, in the heel of the hunt, every budget has to strike a balance between a wide variety of different needs and priorities, of which tourism is only one.
Having said that, we should bear in mind that our tourism companies pay low rates of corporation tax, their employees pay relatively low rates of income tax, our hotels have benefited from generous tax incentives and this year's Exchequer allocation for tourism services is at an all-time high.
The Minister did not respond to my question on competitiveness in his previous response. The VAT rate is putting pressure on the competitiveness of our tourism industry. Our VAT rate of 13.5% on both accommodation and food is one of the highest in Europe. In Spain the rate is 7% on accommodation and food, in Portugal it is 5% on accommodation, in Greece it is 8% and in France it is 5.5% on accommodation. Throughout Europe the average rate is 10% on accommodation and food.
Excise duty on wine is also forcing up prices here. The excise duty on a bottle of table wine, for example, is €2.50. In Portugal, Spain and Greece, our main competitors, it is nil while in France it is 3c. The duty on a bottle of sparkling wine is €4.10 in Ireland while in France it is 6c. Our VAT and excise duty rates are making Irish tourism less competitive. I appeal to the Minister to make a special case to the Department of Finance to consider reducing them to some extent in the forthcoming budget.
The Minister referred to business tourism. I urge the Minister to make a special case for allowing people who come to this country for conferences to get a refund of VAT on their return. If people attend a conference in Belfast, for example, they will get a refund of VAT paid. Promoting business tourism in this country is at a major disadvantage because there is no refund scheme available for business tourists.
Recently, I launched the review of the North American market. The survey was comprehensive and established that visitors to Ireland are generally happy with accommodation prices. Only 10% complained about accommodation prices. According to the review, the three issues about which people complained most were eating out in restaurants, golf and car hire. However, while people complained about Ireland's competitiveness in those areas, it is interesting to note that when comparing Ireland with other destinations, their complaints were not as robust. They understand that while Ireland has become more expensive, it is not fair to say it has become more expensive than many other similar destinations.
Ireland will never be a low cost mass destination; it never was. Our product is for a more discerning, sophisticated customer and that has been the tradition. Nonetheless, the competitiveness issue is important and must be watched carefully. One in seven holidaymakers remains critical of Ireland's value for money and that negative trend has continued for the past few years. This relatively critical view of value for money is also reflected in how overseas tourists see Irish prices compared to prices in their own countries, with 16% of holidaymakers in 2005 considering Irish prices to be higher than expected. However, holidaymakers are less critical when comparing prices in Ireland with those of other competing destinations. Accommodation does particularly well in that regard.
It is important that everybody in the industry understands the need to try to keep prices down in so far as possible. It is not possible to discuss what will be in the budget. However, I have been in discussions with the Minister for Finance for some time with regard to business tourism. He has been examining whether it would be possible to do something about VAT for business tourists. The existence of VAT on conference business, overnight stays and so forth puts us at a disadvantage in comparison with some of our competitors. In that context, the building of the new national conference centre will be an enormous boost, particularly for Dublin. I anticipate that it will attract an additional 30,000 business visitors each year, which will be worth €30 million to €50 million to the Dublin economy.
It is particularly important that prior to the completion of the conference centre, at the latest, we should resolve the issue of VAT on business-related visits. Naturally, I wish the matter would be resolved earlier rather than later. We are having discussions in that respect.
Last week a concert was held in Dublin and the hotels racked up their prices for it. One hotel that I have frequented on a number of occasions was charging €195 for a single room. It is unthinkable that a hotel would increase the price of a room to that extent. The price was not negotiable. We are supposed to be competitive in this sector. If a business person comes to this city, seeks overnight accommodation and is confronted with that type of cost, it is hard to understand how the Minister can say accommodation is not an issue. We discussed the racking up of hotel prices with the Minister previously. Why is a mechanism not put in place to deter that practice, in the interests of tourism and business-related visits?
Registered hotels are obliged to notify the maximum rack rent they will charge for the following season to Fáilte Ireland. They are prohibited from charging above that rack rent. The difficulty highlighted by Deputy Wall relates to hotels which for a long period of the year charge X amount and suddenly increase their price to X plus Y, up to the maximum amount of the rack rent which they have notified to Fáilte Ireland. Invariably this is done when demand is highest. It is a practice of which I disapprove but the hotels are legally entitled to do it, having notified the maximum rack rent. They are not entitled to exceed the maximum rack rent.
The reason visitors to the country have little complaint about the cost of accommodation overall is the variety of accommodation available. There is a choice of really good accommodation at reasonable rates throughout the country. This is appreciated by most people. Nonetheless, I accept Deputy Wall's point that there have been times, and it continues as a practice, where rates are driven up unreasonably because demand is high. It is part of the market.
Is the rack rent a percentage increase that can be imposed as long as the hotels notify Fáilte Ireland?
The hotel is entitled to notify the maximum rack rent and sets the rack rent itself.
6 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the annual administration costs for Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon; if he will provide these figures as a proportion of the annual fund for the dog and horse racing industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34858/06]
The horse and greyhound racing fund was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 for the purpose of giving support to both racing industries. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, 80% and 20% of the moneys paid into the fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon, respectively. In 2005, the total allocation from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was €68.35 million, of which Horse Racing Ireland received €54.68 million and Bord na gCon received €13.67 million. I have been informed by Horse Racing Ireland that its 2005 administration costs were €5.25 million, or 9.6% of its allocation from the fund. Bord na gCon has informed me that its 2005 administration costs were €3.28 million, or 24% of its allocation from the fund. For the purposes of clarification, administration costs are taken as including staff wages and salaries and other contiguous expenditure relating to the performance of the staff functions of the organisations.
As the Minister is aware, I have tabled similar questions on previous occasions in respect of the horse and greyhound racing fund. In light of the fact that the administration costs of these bodies, particularly those of Horse Racing Ireland, are only a small proportion of the overall fund, does the Minister agree, assuming Fianna Fáil is returned to Government, which is by no means certain, there is a case for abolishing the fund in 2008? The amount of funding going to the horse and greyhound racing sectors is a real abomination because there are numerous small sporting groups that are crying out for funds. Would it not be better to reintroduce a tax on betting which could fund the horse and greyhound racing industries? Bookies make so much money out of gambling on these two sports they would be well able to fund them properly and ensure that they survive. Does the Minister agree that those who actively participate in sport would be better beneficiaries of this money than already profitable industries?
We must accept that horse and greyhound racing are not just sports, they are industries and they support, directly and indirectly, approximately 15,500 people.
Then responsibility for them should be transferred to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The Irish horseracing industry has the most successful record internationally of any sport in which we are involved. This has been proved at various race meetings across the globe. We also have an enviable greyhound industry; I would venture to say that it is the finest in the world.
When an examination of the horseracing industry was undertaken, it was established that the thoroughbred breeding industry makes a gross contribution to the economy of €330 million per annum and pays tax of in the region of €37.5 million. Ireland is Europe's largest producer of thoroughbred foals and accounts for 42% of total output. It is the third largest producer in the world behind only the USA and Australia.
The horse and greyhound racing fund, which the Government put in place in 2001, is one of the reasons we are so successful in horseracing and greyhound racing. Under the provisions of the fund, the excise duty collected from high street shops was ring-fenced for the industries. The fund has been a resounding success.
Deputy Gogarty, in terms of the way he phrases his questions, and others who are critical of the industries concerned forget completely their economic contribution. For example, independent economic studies have put the value of the Galway and Punchestown festivals to their local economies at €60 million and €43 million, respectively. Racing attracts approximately 70,000 visitors to this country each year. The total value of Irish bloodstock sales last year was approximately €250 million, all of which, as with any other agricultural activity, is fully taxable. In the breeding industry alone, employment is estimated at 2.400 in the stallion sector and 2,300 in the brood mare sector.
These indigenous industries deserve the support of the Government. I emphatically disagree with any suggestion that the horse and greyhound fund should be discontinued after 2008. If it is discontinued after that date and if there is a reduction in support for the industries concerned as a result, we would be under-investing in indigenous industries which, for the most part, are located in rural areas where it can be quite difficult to find alternative employment. I sincerely and unashamedly hope that the fund will be renewed after 2008 so that we can continue to develop these indigenous industries, both for those involved in them and for the glorification of Irish sport.
Encouraging the development of a healthy society would be far more profitable.
7 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to recent suspensions handed down to Irish athletes by the Irish sport anti-doping disciplinary panel; his views on whether there is reason to be concerned at levels of doping among Irish athletes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34809/06]
Ireland's national anti-doping programme is administered by the Irish Sports Council, which is the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland. The programme, which was introduced in 1999, provides a high quality service which achieves its objectives of providing a fair and ethical sporting environment in Ireland through three primary approaches, namely, testing, education and research. The council carries out its anti-doping functions in accordance with strict, confidential procedures that are in line with the highest standards and in compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency's code. In line with these stringent rules, I am not informed or consulted in any way in respect of any aspect of individual dope tests or their outcomes.
All top level athletes in Ireland are included in the testing pool. They are aware that they are liable for testing under the comprehensive Irish programme and are also aware of their responsibilities to their international federations. I am satisfied that there is a significant deterrent effect in operation and that athletes are aware fully of the dangers and risks involved in doping. The council, in operating a programme that aims to keep Irish sport entirely free from drugs, has, year by year, set itself challenging targets in order to be seen to be operating at top international standards.
I have been informed by the Irish Sports Council that the rate of adverse analytical findings in Ireland is in line with international norms. There were two suspensions in 2005 due to adverse analytical findings emanating from the Irish anti-doping programme. One was handed down by an international sports federation and the other by the Irish anti-doping disciplinary panel. The latter related to an overseas player playing in Ireland. The suspension handed down by the panel was for a period of two months. To date in 2006, the panel has handed down one suspension. This was for a "whereabouts" violation and the athlete was suspended for a period of three months.
I am satisfied that our country's anti-doping programme is one of the finest in the world. This is acknowledged by the World Anti-Doping Agency, which has used the Irish programme as a model for other countries to follow.
As Minister responsible for sport, I have continually and consistently supported the Irish Sport Council's work in combating doping in sport. While the moral argument on doping is not in doubt and the practice of doping is regularly exposed, there is a need for sustained vigilance. The council ensures that there is no complacency in Ireland by operating an excellent anti-doping programme, which is recognised internationally as an outstanding model of its type.
Has agreement been reached with the GAA, the IRFU and the FAI in respect of the anti-doping guidelines laid down by the Irish Sports Council? I agree with the Minister's assertion that the number of athletes who have committed doping offences is minute. However, we must continue to be vigilant. Have the various problems relating to the three national organisations to which I refer been resolved and are the sports administered by those organisations subject to anti-doping laws in the same way as other sports?
Despite earlier difficulties, I am satisfied that we have achieved a degree of co-operation in respect of our doping laws and rules from sporting organisations throughout the country. This is best evidenced by the number of tests that have taken place in the past year. In 2005, 962 tests, an increase of 44 on the figure for 2004, were carried out. These included 147 user-pay tests. Out-of-competition tests accounted for 59% of testing under the national programme. A total of 38 sports were subject to testing and 76 tests took place overseas. The number of tests is high by international standards. The number carried out in 2005 demonstrates the success and comprehensive nature of the programme.
The programme successfully identifies those who use prohibited substances and reassures us that the vast majority do not use them. I am satisfied that we are well on the way towards achieving the kind of policing that might ultimately eliminate drugs in sport in Ireland.
8 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support the establishment of one greyhound racing body for the whole island following the St. Andrews Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34867/06]
In June this year, I met with Ms Maria Eagle, the Northern Ireland Minister with responsibility for culture, arts and leisure, to discuss a number of issues common to both Departments, including pursuing opportunities for all-island co-operation in the development of the horse and greyhound racing sectors. Previous meetings have also been held at both official and ministerial level in recent years with both the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland.
Several difficulties have been identified with regard to an all-island approach to racing. For instance, there is no central government role or funding system for greyhound racing in Northern Ireland and responsibility for horse racing spans across a number of Departments. However, my officials will continue to discuss the issues involved with their Northern Ireland counterparts in order to explore the potential for all-island co-ordination in the development of the horse and greyhound racing sectors. In that context, a successful outcome to the current political developments would be beneficial in moving on with the agenda.
In view of the fact that a significant number of greyhound owners and trainers come on a nightly basis from Northern Ireland to the tracks in the Republic to race their dogs, there surely must a strong case in the new political climate for the establishment of an all-island greyhound racing body. There is currently just one track in Northern Ireland at the Brandywell and that may close in the future because of plans to build a new stadium without a greyhound racing track. That would leave the people of Northern Ireland without any racing track. A number of enthusiasts are leaving the industry in Northern Ireland because of the long distances they must travel. It is about 100 miles from Belfast to Lifford and about 60 miles from Belfast to Dundalk. Approximately 15% of the prize money offered by tracks in the Republic goes to the North.
From the point of view of regulation and control, it would be very important to have just one racing board. Is the Minister aware that in the blueprint for the development of the greyhound sector in the UK for the period 2005-10, the British Greyhound Racing Board does not even mention Northern Ireland? Currently, nobody is really responsible for the greyhound industry in Northern Ireland and it is one of the areas in which great advances could be made if an all-Ireland board existed.
When I met the Minister I explained to her that the greyhound racing sector in Northern Ireland was facing a number of hurdles, if I may be forgiven the pun. I suggested to her that because there was a division of responsibility for horseracing across a number of Departments and a general lack of funding, there could be no proper development of greyhound racing in the North.
I sympathise with Deputy Deenihan's view that there is a need for one authority. Bord na gCon believes that there is merit in considering a 32 county approach to greyhound racing and the board is well positioned to extend its regulatory responsibility to Northern Ireland. However, the industry in the North has not received any financial support from the off-course bookmakers' market or from central government. It is critical that the issue of funding for the sport in Northern Ireland be addressed prior to any move on an all-Ireland greyhound racing authority. Legislative changes would also be required and the 1958 Act and subsequent Acts would have to be amended to reflect any change in scope and responsibilities.
Of the three tracks in Northern Ireland, two are currently operational and are regulated by the Irish Coursing Club without any legislative basis, but with the consent of the track owners.
Only one of those tracks is operational.
I understand that two of them are operational.
The track in Ballyskeagh is closed.
While Bord na gCon's laboratory testing services are available to them, the uptake thus far has been disappointing. It is true that a significant number of dogs from the North race in the South and they pick up approximately 15% of the prize money every year. The breeding of greyhounds is regulated by the Irish Coursing Club for all of Ireland, although there has been a lack of co-ordination following the introduction of artificial insemination in the North, which remains unregulated in the South.
We would generally favour tracks in the North being subjected to the same standard of regulation as those in this State. I would like to see the industry being developed in the North and treated equally, subject to the inclusion of income streams derived in the North, or the tote, to fund that industry.
In view of the fact that a major development fund will be created if the Assembly is re-established, would consideration be given to building a stadium in Belfast similar to that which we have in Shelbourne Park, with the co-operation of both Governments? Due to the commitment to funding by the British Government to major projects in the North, this stadium could be one such possibility.
If the political mechanisms are put in place in the North, it should be possible for us to have discussions with the new Northern Ireland Executive about developing the horse and greyhound racing industry in Northern Ireland. Tourism Ireland has proved to be a really important template in this respect as it has been very successful. As a Kerryman from the deep south, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to have an excuse to visit the North more often. If a high class greyhound stadium existed there, I am sure it would act as a magnet to the Deputy as well.
Has a door been left open since the meetings between the Minister and the Northern Ireland Minister? The Minister pointed out the problems that existed for horseracing, with responsibility being delegated across different Departments. The Minister also said that if the Executive reconvenes, then something can be done. Must we await further developments before the Minister in Northern Ireland gets back to the Minister here? Do we have to accept that no further progress will be made in the foreseeable future?
We have been trying to develop the issue. The Secretary General of my Department, Mr. Phil Furlong, had a recent meeting with Mr. Pat Toal of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland on the possibility of identifying structures which could be created to achieve a joint approach through horse and greyhound racing. We are continuing with our discussions, but the current stalemate in the political arena has prevented any major initiative. If political movement occurred, it would make it far easier for us to develop the industry jointly in the North.
I am not for one moment suggesting that we would take over the sports there. All I am asking for is a joint approach.
9 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the anticipated date for the provision of permanent accommodation for his Department in Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34872/06]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department was designated by the decentralisation implementation group as one of the "early mover" Departments. The tender process for the permanent building was completed some months ago and OPW selected the preferred bidder — PJ Hegarty & Sons. Planning permission has been granted. I am advised by the OPW that construction of the new building is expected to commence before the end of the year and the anticipated completion date is early 2008.
In the meantime, an advance group of 42 staff relocated to temporary accommodation at Fossa, Killarney, in September. The temporary premises is capable of accommodating up to 70 staff and following a bedding down period, consideration will be given to transferring further units of my Department on a phased basis, ultimately leading to the relocation of 130 staff to the permanent accommodation in early 2008.
Is the Minister satisfied with the quality of the current accommodation? Will he confirm whether there is a canteen on the premises and other facilities such as showering facilities? Has he received any inquiries from the staff regarding the improvement of facilities at the Rosenbluth location?
I am not familiar with the detail of the accommodation available. All I know is that it is very comfortable and very fit for the purpose required by the Department. I have received no complaint.
10 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the extension to the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34865/06]
On Thursday 13 April 2006, I announced that the Government had designated the Earlsfort Terrace site as the location of the new National Concert Hall. The Government also conveyed approval to finalise the purchase of the site from the UCD authorities as soon as possible.
Contracts for the purchase of the interest of University College Dublin in the Earlsfort Terrace site were executed on 20 September 2006. As UCD will be vacating the site on a phased basis, a leaseback arrangement will be put in place until late 2007, by which time the college will have fully vacated the premises.
The procurement of a new National Concert Hall will be progressed on a public private partnership basis, in accordance with the guidelines on public capital projects, subject to the Minister for Finance and I being satisfied with the outcome of an evaluation of the economic benefits of the project. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the evaluation has been completed and is being considered by officials in my Department and in the Department of Finance. Work on finalising the PPP paperwork and process is continuing.
I have asked my Department to establish a steering committee to oversee the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall and requested the Secretary General of my Department to chair this committee.
The Minister accepted that the PPP process with regard to the national conference centre was very complicated and cumbersome. Does he therefore regard a PPP as the best option for the National Concert Hall? I understand the Abbey Theatre will not go through the process.
This is an ideal opportunity to accommodate the Royal Irish Academy of Music in the new building arrangements in the concert hall. In the context of new space being provided, will he give consideration, in consultation with the directors of the National Concert Hall and the Royal Irish Academy of Music, to provision being made to relocate the academy from its current site to the concert hall site at Earlsfort Terrace?
I am sure the Minister is familiar with the academy's accommodation which requires major upgrading and more space. I ask the Minister to consider the relocation of the academy because of the space available at the Earlsfort Terrace site and the positive synergy that could take place between the concert hall and the academy.
I agree with Deputy Deenihan that the PPP process is a complex one and this proved to be the case with regard to the national conference centre. We are reaching the finishing line in so far as the national conference centre is concerned. Subject to certain details being agreed, it may well be possible to go on site in the not too distant future with a view to constructing the new national conference centre — at least, that is my hope.
My Department officials have learned a considerable amount about PPPs since that process started. They are very well versed in how difficult and complex the process is and this experience will stand them to good stead when they are contemplating the various stages which must be undergone in connection with the construction of the new National Concert Hall.
We have not abandoned the PPP process for the Abbey Theatre. We have decided to divorce or segregate the design concept from the PPP so that we can have an international competition which will hopefully see a result next summer. We will then proceed to the PPP. The reason I wanted an independent design for the Abbey Theatre is because it is to be a signature building for Dublin. I have often stated that despite the fact we have one of the most creative and imaginative generations ever of Irish people, there is no piece of public architecture to give expression to that creativity and imagination. This will fill that gap.
The National Concert Hall is different because it is sited at Earlsfort Terrace which is an existing and listed building. I believe that a PPP will be appropriate in this case and that the design process which is built into the PPP will not damage the prospects of us having a very fine building because the building is already a very fine one.
There are no plans to accommodate the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Earlsfort Terrace. I assume this could be discussed in the context of there being a 2,000-seat hall and a smaller hall with a capacity of approximately 500, but I am not privy to any such discussions.
I ask the Minister to make inquiries and speak to his officials because there is a marvellous opportunity now for this type of development. Many international artists perform in the National Concert Hall. It would provide an opportunity for the artists and students to interact. The students would have the opportunity to perform on a regular basis in the new spaces to be created in the concert hall. This would be a unique opportunity to do something very special for music in this country.
Deputy Deenihan will be aware that it is not possible for me to give any commitment because it is a matter for the board of the National Concert Hall. However, I will bring his comments to the attention of the chairperson and members of the board of the National Concert Hall and communicate their views to the Deputy.
11 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether Ireland currently lags behind other countries in regard to sporting facilities, coaching and expertise that are available to elite athletes; his further views on whether this is hampering the ability of athletes here to compete at international level; the efforts he is making to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34821/06]
Since 1998, €900 million has been expended on sport both in the development of sports facilities and in funding sports programmes, which include supports for funding our elite sportspersons. This funding has ensured that Ireland no longer lags behind other countries in the facilities and supports provided for elite athletes. The ongoing significant investment in sport by the Government will ensure the facilities and supports required by our elite sportspersons will continue to be enhanced.
Following Government approval in July together with the Taoiseach I launched the Irish Institute of Sport and announced the appointment of its executive chairman to deliver optimal support services for Olympic and Paralympic athletes and sports. The institute will address such issues as strength and conditioning, psychology, performance analysis, sports medicine and sports injury management, recruitment of elite coaches and athlete lifestyle support.
In the lead-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008, the institute will focus its support on 14 focus sports and approximately 90 Olympic and Paralympic athletes who are currently graded as either contracted world class or international class under the Irish Sports Council's international carding scheme. In line with the recommendations of the 2005 Athens review, the ISC undertook a full review of the international carding scheme in 2005, which includes annual funding for athletes, and a new scheme is in operation since January 2006.
The Government-approved proposals for the restructuring of the support structures of Irish elite sport will also see the National Coaching and Training Centre, based at the University of Limerick, reconstituted as a new entity called Coaching Ireland, with a specific remit focussing on coach development and education. Quality coaching is essential to the development of sport at every level. The agency and the facilities based at the University of Limerick will have a key role in the preparation of our elite sportsmen and women as indeed will the other third level universities and colleges which are making increasingly significant contributions to the achievement of sporting excellence.
The Irish Sports Council, whose budget has increased from €13.5 million in 2000 to almost €41 million in 2006, continues to make excellent progress in the delivery of its high performance programme. Arising from the Athens Review 2005, the ISC developed an operational plan which identified key performance indicators, timescales and costings and the roles of the various agencies in supporting Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic preparations for Beijing and London. The plan encompassed elements such as the introduction of targeted sport performance plans including prioritising junior, development and elite athletes; a review of the international carding scheme; proposals for the development of an Irish Institute of Sport; maintaining and enhancing the role of the Olympic and Paralympic performance committees to ensure optimum co-operation in the preparation and performance of the Irish team for the Beijing and London Olympic Games, and the strengthening of the Olympic Council of Ireland's administrative capability. The operational plan is updated on a regular basis with the key agencies to reflect the current status of the recommendations and significant progress has been made to date.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House.
Since 1998, €470 million has been provided for the development of sporting facilities at national, regional and local levels. Through this investment my Department is funding the development of a network of top quality facilities around the country designed to meet the training, coaching and competition needs of our elite competitors in a wide spectrum of sports. Among the major projects which have been supported are the National Aquatic Centre, the National Rowing Centre at Inniscarra, the National Tennis Centre at Glasnevin, the National Boxing Stadium and the National Hockey Stadium at UCD. We intend to continue to develop additional facilities of this nature and the Government's decision to proceed with phase 1 of the sports campus at Abbotstown is further evidence of our commitment to ensuring our sportspersons have available to them facilities in which they can train and compete. The Institute of Sport will be located at the sports campus at Abbotstown, forming an essential part of the new national sports campus. Until the facilities there come on stream the institute will service athletes' needs through existing facilities.
The ISC has established focus sport funding and performance plans have been agreed with targeted Olympic and Paralympic sports. The performance plans focus on sustainable performance and development of junior, developmental and senior squads for 2008, 2012 and 2016. High performance coaching gaps have been identified and key coaching appointments have been made. The ISC has carried out rigorous quarterly monitoring and evaluation of the performance plans.
The ISC also works in partnership with the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Paralympic Council of Ireland, and the relevant Olympic governing bodies of sport in the preparation and participation of Irish competitors at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Significant progress has been made to date in the preparation for Beijing 2008, including the establishment of athletes' commissions and preparation of acclimatisation strategies. The OCI also held a teamship conference for athletes, coaches and support personnel in January 2006 and a second conference is planned for December 2006. The OCI has arranged for multi-sport camps to take place in the University of Limerick in April and November 2007.
I am satisfied there exists a co-ordinated approach to the preparation of our elite sportspersons for participation in international competitions and I am confident this co-ordinated structure will ensure the maximum return for Beijing 2008 and London 2012 and will provide a legacy in high performance sport.
Has a budget been allocated for Mr. Kelly, the new CEO, to appoint the necessary personnel under his direction? Where sits his committee in relation to the Olympic Council of Ireland and the Irish Sports Council and what interlinkage exists between the three agencies?
In 2006 the Government provided €1 million to establish the institute. In 2007, its first full year of operation, the institute will have a budget of €3.5 million.
The London task force is comprised of individuals who have an involvement with the Institute of Sport and the Irish Sports Council. For example, Mr. Seán Kelly, who is the executive chairman of the Institute of Sport will also sit on the board of the London Olympics task force. A representative of the Irish Sports Council also sits on the London task force. I believe it is Mr. Ozzie Kilkenny, chairperson of the ISC. There is contact between the bodies.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
