Richard Bruton
Question:29 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will extend sports partnerships to the remaining counties of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28225/05]
View answerThursday, 13 October 2005
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The Irish Sports Council is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including initiatives to promote sport in local areas. The provision in funding for the Irish Sports Council in the 2005 Estimates is over €34 million, in comparison to just over €13 million in 2000.
The Irish Sports Council, following the receipt of proposals from local bodies approved and funded the establishment of eight partnerships in May 2001 and a further four were established in early 2002. Following a review of the scheme by the council, I gave approval in 2003 to the council to extend the network of local sports partnerships by a further four, bringing the total number of local sports partnerships to 16.
The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism is carrying out an independent appraisal and review of the operation of the existing local sports partnerships. This independent review has now been completed and is being appraised in the Department. Extending the partnerships to further areas of the country will be considered in the light of the outcome of that appraisal.