Vol. 663 No. 1
119 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the proportion of his capital budget for 2008 which has been exhausted to date; the projects which have been prioritised and progressed under the 2008 spend; if he will provide a progress report in relation to committed capital projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34149/08]
The capital expenditure allocation to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in 2008 was €276.87 million. In addition, there was a deferred surrender amount of €25.181 million which was carried over from 2007, giving a total of €302.051 million available to the Department in 2008.
In July 2008, some €3.9 million of the capital allocation was surrendered as part of savings required by the Government. These savings are being made in the programmes for cultural projects and in the allocation to Fáilte Ireland in respect of tourism product development. The net result of these changes is to reduce the 2008 capital allocation to €272.97 million in addition to the deferred surrender amount, giving a total of €298.151 million for 2008.
This amount, which includes the capital carryover from 2007, is distributed among the various programmes as follows: €116 million to the Lansdowne Road stadium project; €58 million in respect of grants to sporting organisations and the provision of sports and recreational facilities; €37 million to cultural infrastructure; €20 million for grants under the local authority swimming pool programme; €20 million to the Irish Film Board; €16 million to Fáilte Ireland, of which €15 million is in respect of tourism product development; €4 million to the national sports campus; €8 million to Horse Racing Ireland; €2 million to Bord na gCon; €5 million to the Arts Council; €5 million to the National Museum; €2 million to the National Library; and €4 million for a range of programme areas, including the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Chester Beatty Library, National Concert Hall, Crawford Art Gallery, National Archives and dormant accounts funding to support sport in disadvantaged areas.
At the end of September 2008, a total of €192.32 million had been expended. This amounts to 65% of the revised allocation for 2008. I expect the entire 2008 capital budget to be expended by the year end.
It is difficult to digest all the figures provided. With only €192 million of the Department's annual capital budget expended so far, does the Minister expect the entire amount to be spent by the end of the year? Will all the promised projects be completed, particularly in respect of cultural institutions? I am anxious that capital expenditure is maintained this year and next year because every year it appears that part of the annual allocation is pushed into the following year's allocation. While this gives the appearance that substantial sums are being expended, only a fraction of the annual allocation is spent.
As the Minister will agree, maintaining current levels of capital expenditure is particularly important for economic reasons, notably, to support employment in the construction industry and avail of the excess capacity and cheaper prices which will be available in the sector. The primary reason for maintaining capital expenditure is to ensure we invest in the cultural institutions to support the arts and tourism.
I am particularly concerned that we are falling behind in the area of cultural institutions, many of which are at risk. The National Library's book collection is being held in what is effectively a fire hazard. The National Archives is located in a biscuit factory, while the museum artefacts in the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum are at risk of being lost or destroyed as a result of the failure to spend the funds allocated. Will the Minister give an assurance that capital expenditure will be spent and building projects will proceed, particularly in the case of our cultural institutions where the works are badly needed to maintain and preserve what we have as opposed to expand or improve facilities?
I do not agree that large chunks of the allocation are not being used every year. The capital programme of the Department has expanded significantly in recent years and the full allocation has been expended. The carryover, a relatively small sum, usually arises because the Department is waiting for invoices to be submitted before it can pay bills. This occurs when projects are nearing completion and some of the organisations drawing down the money may not be in a position to finalise their business in time. This is the reason for the small annual carryover. My detailed reply listed capital allocations in all subheads, both large and small.
Some of the programmes to which the Deputy alluded and in which issues have arisen are handled by the Office of Public Works. While the Department and OPW work together to organise the capital programme, funding for some projects comes from the latter's budget.
While I appreciate that much of the work is processed by the Office of Public Works, the OPW appears to be swamped and projects are falling behind schedule. For example, the Natural History Museum has been closed for more than 18 months following the collapse of a set of stairs, an incident which placed people and not only artefacts at risk. It does not make sense that there is still no sign of work starting on the building. Is the Minister in a position to request that projects such as this where the facility is closed are prioritised?
Yes, it is possible for me to do so. There is no conflict between the Department and the Office of Public Works, which have a good working relationship. There is, however, competition for resources on all fronts. A specific and complex problem, which goes beyond the initial incident when stairs collapsed, has arisen in the Natural History Museum. The project in that case will be substantial and will be completed over the next few years.
The project was in planning prior to the collapse of the stairs.
Yes, it is in planning. The Department has been in discussions to try to manage the opening of the facility in the foreseeable future. That is the current position.
120 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the research which calls for reform of the sports capital programme and that calls for reform are based on a number of different problems identified within the sports capital programme; if he will announce a review of the sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33794/08]
Work on the production of a national sports facilities strategy is at an advanced stage. The aim of the strategy is to provide high level policy direction for future investment and grant assistance at national, regional and local level. It is intended to identify the facilities requirement for sport in order that participation at reasonable cost is feasible for those who wish to engage in sport at either amateur or elite level.
Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated towards the provision of sports facilities at national, regional and local level. It is the primary vehicle for promoting the development of sports and recreational facilities in Ireland. Through the sports capital programme, the Government has allocated more than €725 million to more than 7,400 separate sports projects since 1998. The programme has transformed the sporting landscape with improved facilities in virtually every village, town and city. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs to regional multi-sport centres and national centres of sporting excellence.
The national sports facilities strategy, which will take account of research findings such as those referred to by the Deputy, will address future sports facility funding and provision and will inform future rounds of the sports capital programme.
In tabling my question I had in mind a number of ESRI reports which suggest a shift in focus from capital to current expenditure. I raise this issue against the background of the duplication of resources in certain areas, for example, in the case of clubs seeking to build club houses in areas which have an excellent sports facility. When will the national audit of sports facilities to which the Minister alluded be completed? This audit will provide a good indicator of areas in which there is duplication and gaps that need to be filled.
I welcome the written answer I received from the Minister on a specific local issue I raised in a parliamentary question. It referred to Lourdes Celtic FC, a very good soccer club which is working hard to provide a facility, particularly for younger people. The club does not have a sports pavilion or toilet facilities and members are at their wits' end. This is an example of a small local facility which badly needs an injection of funding at a time when major capital programmes are under way in areas where parallel facilities may be in place.
The Deputy's comments reflect an ongoing and valid debate. I hope the audit will be completed over the coming months. The Irish Sports Council commissioned a number of reports from the ESRI and other agencies. The findings of these reports will influence the direction the Department will take on these issues.
Over the past ten years, sports facilities have been transformed throughout the country. While solutions remain to be found in individual cases, in some instances the Department is not the only reason facilities have not been constructed. I accept that, at a minimum, all sports facilities, for various obvious reasons, need to have proper dressing rooms and toilet facilities. Many of these sports facilities are now for mixed use, which I welcome. One of the issues that arose in the most recent report was the significant issue of ensuring the retention of young women in sport. We are aware of the benefits from the point of view of health, socially and in other respects, gained by individuals who are active in sport. That is an issue we are examining. Perhaps it is time to pause and reflect on the number of sports facilities provided across every county not only in terms of the club or school but to maximise the use of those individual facilities during the day, night and at weekends to ensure that, on behalf of the taxpayer, we obtain the full value for a local community from all the investment that has been made.
In regard to the county by county aspect of facilities, an interesting commentary in a report by John Considine of the department of economics, University College Cork, published recently, relates to the per capita allocation of the national lottery grant. County Kerry had the highest per capita allocation in 2003-07. I wonder if this is merely a coincidence. Perhaps the Minister will comment on that.
I will, but I know from experience over the years and not only as the Minister responsible that all applications for sports grants go through a rigorous assessment which has nothing to do with the Minister responsible. Unless they come through that process, they do not end up on the desk in terms of recommendations for allocations. There is certainly no way in which a Minister could return to raise the issue of a proposed project, which, as in many cases, may not be approved for technical or legal reasons, including matters related to title.
All I can say in response to the area highlighted by the Deputy is that the applications submitted were obviously of a very high quality and they passed muster in terms of all the assessments that were done.
Perhaps it is a follow-up coincidence that in the from 1999 to 2002 County Donegal had the highest per capita allocation in this respect.
In context of the current round of allocations which have been expended, my constituency does not have the highest per capita allocation in this respect.
It must have the second highest then.
No, it does not. It is a long way down the list.
Then the Minister was not doing his job.
One can never win in these matters.
121 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the measures he is recommending to Cabinet to halt the downward trend in tourism figures; if he has discussed the competitiveness issue with his Cabinet colleagues; the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34150/08]
Latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show that, notwithstanding the difficult global environment, the number of overseas visitors for the first seven months of 2008 was just ahead of last year at more than 4.5 million. Figures for July alone were less positive, which we all know.
I understand that the indications are that the fall-off in monthly numbers seen in July was sustained in August. This must be seen in context. Global tourism and Irish tourism are facing exceptionally challenging conditions, including increased fuel costs and a global economic downturn, with adverse trends in exchange rates. I understand that the recent fall-off mirrors trends across Europe, where the year started positively but saw a downturn in monthly figures from May onward.
While Ireland, like a number of other high income countries, is not a mass tourism destination, its competitiveness in term of value for money and quality of experience is shown by our sustained ability to increase our share of visitors to Europe in recent years.
Current indications are that Ireland is maintaining its market share in Europe and many competitors are faring less well, suggesting that the overall competitiveness of Irish tourism is holding. As well as attractive air and sea access fares, there is very good value for money available in tourist accommodation at present, in particular given the addition to our hotel room capacity in recent years.
While I know that our businesses are responding positively to current challenges, it is just as important that the strategic framework for tourism development responds to the changing environment. I have therefore decided to initiate a short mid-term review of the tourism strategy, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: an Agenda for Action 2003-2012. I will be putting in place the arrangements for the mid-term review in the coming weeks and I will seek for it to be completed by the end of the first quarter of next year. In the meantime, an extensive range of marketing, product development, training and business supports are being rolled out by the tourism State agencies under the tourism services budget of the Department. For example, the tourism marketing fund for this year provides for €50 million, the highest ever annual allocation for the international marketing effort.
I am confident that the tourism sector here has the capacity to manage the current cyclical slowdown. The mid-term review will help the sector to manage the current challenges and to return to sustainable growth in the medium term.
I thank the Minister for his reply. The reality in respect of the visitor figures from Europe, which the Minister said are holding up, is that these represent low spend figures and they probably will disappear because all the indications are they are family members of migrant workers coming to Ireland. Those visitors will disappear if the reports we hear about high unemployment among migrant workers are true.
The point I wish to make, about which I believe the Minister and I are in agreement, is that our tourism industry is facing difficult times. Not only is the global tourism market shrinking but in Ireland we have the additional problems of high service charges, high energy costs, high VAT charges and a new pay round to be made. The result is that, for a variety of reasons, profitability per room is now half what it was this time last year.
There is considerable demand from the industry to maintain the amount of money being spent on marketing to ensure that we retain our market share and that we have an industry when all this financial chaos is over. I wish to ask about the plethora of tourism bodies. I am sure they are all doing a good job but, given that we have to examine every penny being spent, is having all these bodies the best way for us to get value for money? Is it the best way to deliver what is absolutely necessary and what everybody wants to deliver? All these bodies are being funded and one wonders if one body is duplicating the work of another.
What exactly is the best way to target the marketing of our industry? There is a need for a major change in the kind of marketing being undertaken. The reality is that we will have to change to tourism that is not so dependent on discretionary spending. If an American family was considering the value of the dollar and the cost of visiting Ireland, that family would say "No" to that idea of coming here. However, an American businessman, a golf player or person attending a conference would be more likely to come to Ireland, and this is a tourism area where we are under-performing.
Therefore, is there a need to change the way we market our industry and the number of bodies, at home and abroad, charged with that task? Is there a way we can get better value for money? Will the Minister ensure the marketing budget is maintained as that is crucial for the industry?
I am aware of the point the Deputy is making. There is not really a plethora of organisations in place. We have two major organisations, one of which is Tourism Ireland, which is responsible for marketing Ireland overseas on behalf of the whole island of Ireland. It is a North-South body funded by both jurisdictions to carry out that task. The other organisation is Fáilte Ireland, which has a major role and is probably seen by most people as the key body responsible for promoting and developing marketing policies for the benefit of all aspects of the tourism industry.
The Deputy rightly said that there are issues of competitiveness. People who have a good tourism product have to make sure that the value for money they are giving in comparison with their competitors in other countries is as good as it was.
The Deputy is correct in saying that the type of business we can attract and continue to attract should be expanded in particular areas. There is also the opportunity to target new markets. There is no doubt that the Middle East and Far East present major opportunities. These are vast markets into which we should try to market our tourism industry and maintain a big presence, given their scale and size. Nevertheless, there are two aspects to that. To expand those markets, we need direct flights from those markets to Ireland. I have always said that and I did so when I was Minister for Transport. I signed many agreements and, hopefully, when all the works are completed at Dublin Airport, it will be able to facilitate long-haul flights.
The Deputy might reflect on what Ireland has achieved. We were the most successful country in Europe to recover after the 11 September events and the outbreak of foot and mouth disease at that time. The policies have been working to a large degree, but that is not to say that we should not always keep them under review.
The Minister would have to agree that the policies must change now.
Yes, I agree with that.
We are living in a different world and the reality is that every penny must be examined to ensure that it delivers value for money.
Given the economic situation, I am strongly of the view, and have conveyed it to both marketing organisations, that they should get much greater value for every euro spent in the coming year than they might have received in the preceding years because there is a real reduction in available spend across the business world in terms of accessing media to promote one's message. The value that one can get in terms of every euro spent for next year should be far greater than one might have got in previous years. It is important to bear that in mind.
122 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if it is intended to complete the remaining 21 swimming pools which were granted funding under the initial local authority swimming pool programme in 2000; when the next stage of the programme will be launched; if he will give a commitment that the funding for the next round of this programme will be available as promised under the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33795/08]
It is intended to complete the remaining 20 pools under the current round of the local authority swimming pool programme. A total of 57 applications were received under the current round. Some 37 pools have been completed and opened to the public, eight in respect of which funding has been allocated are under construction and a further 12 are at various stages of development. Funding in respect of the latter will be allocated by my Department in due course. Funding is available to support the existing projects in the current round of the local authority swimming programme. As already stated, however, given the current budgetary constraints, it is not intended to launch a new round at this time. Noteworthy progress has been made in the context of the current programme and our priority now is to work with the relevant local authorities in bringing into public use the remaining 20 pools included under the current round.
A value for money policy review report of the local authority swimming pool programme was carried out by my Department to examine, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The report has been published and the recommendations it contains will be considered in the context of future rounds of the programme.
The swimming pool programme is crucial to many communities. A slowdown appears to have occurred in respect of the 21 swimming pools that were meant to be part of that programme. The Minister stated that the challenge now is to work with the relevant local authorities in completing the remaining 21 pools. I hope this will happen sooner rather than later. There is no timeframe in respect of this matter and while there may be duplication of certain sporting facilities in many of the communities with which I am familiar, there is no such duplication when it comes to swimming pools. For example, the swimming pool in Crumlin was built in 1970 and badly requires an upgrade.
The Minister will agree that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise in which one can engage. When one considers the health aspects etc., it would be a shame if the swimming pool programme was limited in any way.
I do not disagree with the Deputy. I take a strong view regarding the value of sport, in all its guises, for young people. Many Members enjoyed participating in sport when they were much younger. It makes a huge contribution in the context of people's general health, their development of social and interactional skills and the way in which they mature.
Some 57 applications were received under the current round of the programme. Some 37 pools have been completed and opened, eight are under construction and a further 12 are at various stages of development. I am not in a position to open a new round at present. As stated, however, the resources are in place to allow the completion of projects under the current round. When that is done, resources permitting, I would like to commence a new round because the swimming pool programme adds enormously to communities. There is no age barrier to swimming. People of all ages and genders can use swimming pools and obtain major benefits from doing so.
At present, Ireland has one pool per 58,000 people. In Northern Ireland it is one per 32,000 and in Scotland it is one per 15,000. Our objective is to have one pool per 50,000 by 2011. Will that objective be achieved?
Based on the current programme, it will be achieved. However, I would like us to reach a position where we would be closer to the international average of one pool per 28,000 people.
The Minister would want to start building.
We have come from a position where the figure was effectively zero. We were able to instigate the programme only in recent years when the necessary resources were available. This is not merely a national project, there is involvement on the part of local authorities, communities and the Department. As stated, 57 applications were received and 27 pools have been completed and opened, eight are under construction and a further 12 are at various stages of development. The latter will be completed and we must then move on to the next round.
123 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for developing facilities to attract international Olympic teams to prepare here for the London Olympics in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33570/08]
The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics task force was established in August 2006 to ensure Ireland can identify and maximise the complete range of opportunities arising from its proximity to the Olympic and Paralympic games that will be held in London in 2012. The task force included experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and was supported by staff from within my Department.
In its report, the task force makes a number of recommendations on foot of an audit carried out in respect of high quality sports facilities in Ireland and the findings of a report by Indecon International Economic Consultants on the economic evaluation of the benefit to the island of Ireland of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. The report highlights the opportunities for Ireland from the London 2012 games in the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors. On the sporting side, proposals are put forward for investment in sports facilities which would increase our attractiveness as a training destination for Olympic teams in the lead up to and during the games. I understand that inquiries have already been made about the availability of sports facilities here for some Olympic teams.
During my recent attendance at the Beijing Olympics I engaged in informal discussions with Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London 2012 Olympic Games organising committee, to discuss the role Ireland can play in the games. I will shortly meet him in London to continue our discussions.
I will consider the implementation of the recommendations of the London 2012 task force report in the context of the annual Estimates cycle and taking account of the current economic situation. I also intend to meet the key stakeholders involved in the support of our elite athletes to discuss how we can best build on the success we had in Beijing and the supports required in terms of coaching, programmes, facilities and funding to ensure the optimum performance of Irish athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
I thank the Minister for his reply but I would like him to be more specific. I detected an ominous note in what he said. The Minister used the term "current economic situation". When he arrived home from the Beijing Olympics, he referred to a need to put in place some of the facilities that would attract teams to Ireland prior to the games of 2012. Do I take it that the position has changed? Does the funding for Sports Campus Ireland remain secure?
It is not merely a case of foreign teams benefiting from coming to Ireland, we need to prepare our Olympic team as well. Some facilities are already in place which meet the required standard. I refer here to those in Limerick, which can be accessed via Shannon Airport, and the Breaffy international complex in County Mayo, which can be accessed via Ireland West Airport at Knock. Are there plans in place to allow us to work with our counterparts in Northern Ireland and share facilities to attract teams to locations north and south of the Border? What plans are in place to exploit that which is already in existence?
As the Deputy is aware, we are in the midst of an Estimates process at present. What will happen in the future will be decided as the budget approaches. However, this does not invalidate in any way what I said after the Olympic Games in Beijing. The points I made then remain valid now and I have not changed my mind in respect of them.
When people refer to 2012, it is usually in the context of huge teams coming to Ireland. Irrespective of the facilities we have to offer, it is unlikely that this will happen to any great degree. Some competitors in specific sports may come here for particular reasons. There is, however, a range of areas on the tourism side from which we can benefit, particularly when one considers that the Olympic Games of 2012 will be staged in London.
I am of the view — this is no secret — that the development of a cohort of sports facilities is vital to the long-term future of sport in this country. I support what has been said in the various reports in this regard. However, I am obliged to operate within the constraints of the current budgetary framework. Everyone will accept that this framework has, for many reasons of an international nature, radically changed from what it was only 12 months ago. I continue to examine how we might maximise the opportunities that exist in the context of developing our athletes as well as providing facilities for those of other countries. What is essential to most elite sportsmen and women is international competition. In Ireland we do not have facilities for major international competition. Most of our elite athletes, in any discipline, want to compete at the highest level and that requires them to be abroad quite a lot. When I was in China I learned that some athletes did no training in China. For example, China sent its cyclists to Switzerland. They were literally sent to Switzerland for the past four years to be involved and trained there, irrespective of the facilities. They were sent there so they could get the competition.
The opportunity presented to us by the 2012 Olympics will not present so close to us again. Despite the economic climate, we may not get this opportunity to develop our facilities again for some time. There is, therefore, a special case for advancing funding to do this. The Minister said that the Chinese team did all its training abroad. Why not let Ireland be the country where some of these teams do their training? I admit we do not have the facilities to stage international events, but developing facilities would benefit us through being a first step towards achieving that. That is important.
I do not want to give the impression that whole teams were training abroad. I was talking about a specific part of a team. It was not because of lack of resources in China that it sent cyclists to train in Switzerland. The reason is that Switzerland is the centre of excellence in terms of training. Currently, we have cyclists involved in specific high level programmes in Europe. Even if we had the best facilities here, it would be pointless having those cyclists here because the competition and gathering of an international cohort working together lifts the standard for all of them. They need to be together to learn from each other and to compete and upgrade their standards. That is not to say we do not need some facilities here. We do, but the best training is a mix of the different aspects. I agree we should capitalise as much as we can on 2012.
