Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2009
314 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide guarantees that funding for the sports inclusion development officers programme will be made available after 2010. [40047/09]
View answer318 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to continue to move programme under the sports inclusion development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40121/09]
View answer320 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will ensure continued funding for the ongoing implementation of the sports inclusion development office programme in north Tipperary beyond 2010; if he will guarantee a further three years of funding; if not, the reason for same; his views on the importance and contribution the SIDO makes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40381/09]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 314, 318 and 320 together.
In 2008, special funding of €2.5 million was allocated from the dormant accounts fund for the appointment of 20 sports inclusion development officers in local sports partnerships. The officers were appointed on two-year contracts to provide opportunities for people with a disability to participate in sport and physical activity. A network of 33 local sports partnerships have been set up throughout the country by the Irish Sports Council to co-ordinate and promote sport at local level, especially among specific target groups such as older people, girls and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities. The special dormant accounts funding was in addition to the annual funding provided to the local sports partnerships by the Irish Sports Council for programmes and initiatives aimed at increasing participation in recreational sport. The council has allocated €6 million to the local sports partnerships in 2009. The continuation of the sports inclusion development officer scheme from 2010 will depend on negotiations on the 2010 Estimates.
