Pat Deering
Question:10. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the next round of the sports capital programme will be opened up for applications. [54254/13]
View answerSports Capital Programme Applications
Questions (10, 48)
Martin Heydon
Question:48. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the next round of the sports capital programme will be opened up for applications. [54389/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 48 together.
Departmental officials are currently working on the details of a new round of the Sports Capital Programme. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly. I believe that this will demonstrate this Government's understanding of the value of sport from both an economic and health perspective. Sports capital funding is essential for the provision of modern fit-for-purpose facilities that provide opportunities for people to participate in sporting activities throughout the country. The 2012 round of the SCP saw a record number of applicants, indicating a continuing high demand for such grants.
A new portal has been developed on the Department's website which must be used by organisations to register, to apply for funding (when the Programme is open for applications) and to manage the drawdown of any new grants allocated after 2013. Any interested organisation should register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
Question No. 11 answered orally.
Traffic Management
Questions (12)
Helen McEntee
Question:12. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the traffic statistics for Slane, County Meath, during the recent toll holiday; the increase or decrease in the number of HGVs travelling through the village during the toll holiday period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54139/13]
View answerWritten answers
As I have indicated previously I am concerned that large numbers of HGVs continue to use our regional and local roads in order to avoid tolls, and are driving through towns, villages and rural areas with large populations. This has safety implications for other road users, residents and pedestrians. In addition by using local and regional roads instead of custom-built motorways, HGVs are adding to the wear and tear of the legacy roads network. For this reason I asked the National Roads Authority (NRA) to examine at the feasibility of lifting tolls for heavy goods vehicles for one month on a number of motorways across the country, including the M1and M3, as a trial. The purpose of the trial on these routes was to see if HGV operators could be persuaded to use the motorways more by providing HGV operators with an opportunity to evaluate the time and efficiency benefits of using the motorways.
As regards the traffic figures, the NRA informs me that HGV traffic in Slane was down 36% in the first half of November, and over 43% down in the second half. The second half figures may have been affected by some local road works. The NRA has said that this data is fully consistent with the their previous assessments that about 40% of HGV traffic in Slane was avoiding tolls on the M1 or M3.
Tourism Promotion
Questions (13, 30)
Bernard Durkan
Question:13. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which his Department has monitored the success of The Gathering in terms of benefit to the tourism industry; the degree if any to which the experience can be used in future years to build on its success with obvious benefit to the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54375/13]
View answer
Brendan Griffin
Question:30. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether a good way to build on the success of The Gathering would be to designate 2015 the year of the home gathering, which would be a major drive to encourage Irish residents to holiday somewhere in Ireland during 2015, with communities and tourism operators organising events and providing offers to incentivise home holidaying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54140/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 30 together.
The primary of the Gathering Ireland 2013 was to generate additional overseas visits and increase revenue in 2013. We set a target of 325,000 visitors and we will exceed this. A detailed study to evaluate the economic impact of The Gathering is being undertaken and it is hoped to have this complete by April. Of course, the Gathering was not just about visitor numbers and revenues. It is also about community pride and strengthening links with the diaspora.
The Gathering helped to strengthen existing links with Irish communities abroad and create new connections. Tourism Ireland will continue to work with the diaspora networks and will include these as part of its future promotional work overseas. The networks and databases created through The Gathering will also remain as a valuable asset to Irish tourism.
A number of Gathering-related events and festivals have already been identified as having potential to run again. Similarly, the success of the Emerald Isle Classic college football game, which was a key part of the Gathering campaign, is being built on with next year's game between Penn State – with the largest alumni association in the US - and the University of Central Florida in Croke Park.
The Gathering also made a vital contribution to the local community. The Gathering network provided extensive training to more than 2,500 people and these community engagement skills will endure and be available to support other local events.
In terms of future policy, as the Deputy will be aware, my Department is currently undertaking a review of tourism policy. Following a detailed analysis of the responses received to the public consultation process, I plan to issue a draft tourism policy document and after a short period of consultation, to finalise the new policy by Easter 2014. The question of any future Gathering type initiatives can be considered in that context but for now, I have no such plans. As in recent years, Failte Ireland will continue to run a Home Holidays Marketing Campaign to foster growth in the domestic market next year.
Tourism Data
Questions (14)
Tony McLoughlin
Question:14. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the up to date tourism figures for the north west region at the end of 2013; if he is satisfied with same in comparison to the other regions; and his Department's plans or that of the relevant tourism agencies to further promote tourism performance in 2014 in the north west. [54392/13]
View answerWritten answers
The collection of statistics, including overseas visitors, is primarily a matter for the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The CSO does not, however, provide a regional breakdown of statistics in their monthly 'Overseas Travel' publication. I am aware that Fáilte Ireland provides an estimated regional breakdown of overseas visits on an annual basis, based on research of its own as well as available CSO statistics. The most recent full year figures available are for 2012 and they show that there were 428,000 visitors to the North West in 2012 generating €112.6 million in revenue. In addition there were 570,000 domestic visitors generating revenue of €106 million. Further data is available, on a regional and county basis, in the research section of the Fáilte Ireland website under Regional Statistics and Reports.
In regard to 2013 figures nationally, it is noteworthy that trips to Ireland for the first ten months of the year were up by 7.3% compared to the same period in 2012. This increase has benefitted all regions. I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with whatever information they may have in regard to the number of tourists who visited the North West region to date in 2013. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The promotion of tourism in regional areas is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. That said, I can say that the main focus of the marketing effort overseas in 2014 will be the development and marketing of the Wild Atlantic Way, which extends along the whole West and North West coast. The allocation of €8m towards the project in Budget 2014 will enable the installation of signage and the development of the discovery points along the 2,500km route.
Aviation Issues
Questions (15)
John O'Mahony
Question:15. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to publish the new aviation policy to include regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54159/13]
View answerWritten answers
The new national aviation policy will outline the actions to be taken by Government to help sustain and develop the aviation sector, in order to create jobs and facilitate business and tourism. A total of 74 submissions were received as part of the public consultation process that took place earlier this year. The number and quality of the submissions received is encouraging and demonstrates the strong interest there is in shaping future aviation policy. The next step will be the publication of a draft National Aviation Policy Statement early in the New Year. There will be a further opportunity for stakeholder input at that point and I expect that the final policy document will be published in the first half of 2014. A number of the submissions focused on the regional airports and the views expressed will be taken into account in the review process. The recently completed work of the Study Group on Ireland West Airport Knock will also provide input into the policy.
This week the Report of the Study Group was brought to Government. I informed my colleagues that, mindful of the current financial position of the regional airports and of the valuable contribution they make, my Department now intends to develop a framework for approval by the EU Commission, in respect of State support for regional airports, for implementation at the end of the current programme of support (i.e. from 2015). It is envisaged that this new programme will run until 2025.
In the case of capital expenditure (CAPEX), any Exchequer support, in line with EU guidelines, will be limited to safety and security related expenditure and require clear business plans and matching regional (Local Authorities and business) investment as well. The regional airports now need to develop business plans for their on-going sustainability and long-term sustainability without Exchequer support in line with EU State aid guidelines.
The Action Programme for Effective Local Government Putting People First published in October 2012 focuses on the widening of the role of Local Government particularly in the context of supporting local and community development. The greater involvement by local authorities in the oversight of supports for regional airports would be consistent with the general direction of the Programme and I intend to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government on this matter.
Public Transport
Questions (16)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:16. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions his Department is taking in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann to improve punctuality in the services of each of the companies and the quality of service provided by each company. [54130/13]
View answerWritten answers
The National Transport Authority (NTA) entered into separate contracts with the three CIÉ companies for the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) services. Among other things, the contracts set standards of operational performance and customer service and contain penalties for non-performance. The NTA monitors the contracted performance of each PSO operator on a quarterly basis and the reports are available on the NTA's website. If the Deputy has some specific instances of poor punctuality, I am happy to raise it with the NTA and the companies involved separately.
The Government continues to provide substantial Exchequer investment in the public transport network despite the significant financial challenges. Over the three years 2011-2013, the total Exchequer allocation to the three CIE companies, in respect of PSO services, free travel, school transport and capital expenditure, has been more than €1.5 billion. The priority must be to get a better return from the public transport system, through targeted investment, better use of existing resources and by using technology to make public transport more responsive and user friendly.
My Department has also provided funds in both Dublin and the regional cities to promote sustainable travel including further developing bus lanes, improving rail and bus stations, bus stops and shelters and also to improve the accessibility of public transport. Through the NTA, my Department is also funding the use of smart technology to make public transport easier to access and more reliable for the user. Significant progress has been made with the Leap card, Real Time Passenger Information, and the National Journey Planner which maps all public transport services across the country. The use of Wi-fi on trains and buses has also improved the transport experience. The NTA will continue to progress these consumer friendly initiatives which make using public transport more attractive. The public-transport experience has improved significantly and that is where we must target our efforts in future.
Ports Development
Questions (17)
Seán Kyne
Question:17. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the implementation of the ports policy; if his attention has been drawn to concerns that the designation of certain ports as ports of regional significance may inadvertently negatively impact on the ability of port companies to raise finance for port development plans; and when he intends to bring in legislation to facilitate the transfer of ports of regional significance to the relevant local authorities. [54332/13]
View answerWritten answers
The core objective of National Ports Policy is to facilitate a competitive and effective market for maritime transport services. The long-term international trend in ports and shipping is toward increased consolidation of resources in order to achieve optimum efficiencies of scale. This has knock-on effects in terms of vessel size, the depths of water required at ports and the type and scale of port hinterland transport connections. The National Ports Policy aims to ensure that Ireland can adapt to these international trends. Ports differ greatly in size, in current capability and future potential. The previous structure in place was a laissez-faire policy where ‘one size fits all’. This is no longer appropriate. As the Deputy will appreciate, treating Wicklow Port Company and Dublin Port Company as the same in legislative and policy terms is absurd. At the core of the National Ports Policy was the introduction of a clear categorisation of the ports sector into:
- Ports of National Significance (Tier 1);
- Ports of National Significance (Tier 2); and
- Ports of Regional Significance.
The purpose of this categorisation is to help provide clarity to the sector as to future developments and ensure that the goals of individual ports are aligned to those of their shareholder. It recognise reality rather than trying to create a new reality that does not exist. Therefore, the five ports that primarily have a national function and are responsible collectively for over 90% of all trade into and out of our ports, will remain under the shareholding of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Ports that have a regional purpose, be it as regional transport hubs or in relation to maritime tourism, marine leisure or public amenity will be transferred to local authority control.
Officials have commenced drafting proposals of the Heads of a new Ports Bill that will allow for Ports of Regional Significance to be transferred to local authority control. The officials have met with stakeholders including ports, local authorities and others to discuss the proposed transfer arrangements and they will continue to engage with stakeholders as drafting of the Heads progresses.
As the Deputy is aware, Ports are self-financing and it is not intention that the transfer of any of these ports will adversely impact on any port's future developments. Indeed, the transfer is intended to strengthen future developments in the Ports of Regional Significance as they will now be clearly aligned with regional interests through local authority ownership. It is my experience that companies, be they state owned or private sector, that wish to raise finance need a robust, credible business case to convince potential investors that there will be a return on investment for them (i.e. that the revenues for any development will exceed the costs within a reasonable timeframe). Such a business case is a pre-requisite to securing investment and in its absence, anything else is an aside.
In relation to other work on the National Ports Policy, a strategic review of Rosslare Europort has been completed and I expect to be able to make recommendations on the report very shortly. A review of New Ross Port Company within the context of National Ports Policy has also been completed and its conclusions have been accepted by the Company who have commenced implementation.
Tourism Promotion
Questions (18)
Clare Daly
Question:18. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the tourist potential linked to the work of the Irish Seal Sanctuary, if he will facilitate this volunteer organisation with a suitable permanent premises in Balbriggan as part of the previously planned marine conservation project in conjunction with Fingal County Council. [54134/13]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's role in relation to tourism relates primarily to national policy. It is not involved in the administration of tourism-related funding programmes nor the building of tourist attractions. That is a matter for the State tourism agencies.
In this regard, Fáilte Ireland administers the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, which provides support for investment in certain categories of visitor attraction, visitor activities and tourism infrastructure. Due to a high number of existing commitments, the Programme is currently closed for new applications.
Any future application under a reopened Tourism Capital Investment Programme for a seal sanctuary or similar centre would be subject to assessment by Fáilte Ireland as to its tourism value and, in particular, its potential to attract significant numbers of overseas visitors. It is may be worth asking the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, whose remit includes matters to do with biodiversity and the natural heritage.
Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme
Questions (19)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:19. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the strategic investment framework for land transport being undertaken by his Department; and if he will report on his proposals to incorporate metro north into this framework. [54129/13]
View answerWritten answers
Work on developing a strategic framework for investment in land transport is ongoing within my Department. The assessment of specific projects required to meet current and future demand will, however, remain subject to detailed appraisal of the benefits and costs of each individual project. Many issues shall be addressed in this investment framework. Future transport demand depends on a wide array of drivers, such as projected demographic changes, land use and spatial patterns, employment levels, economic activity, the impact of climate and technological changes and indeed the levels of future car ownership. Work analysing historical investment levels in transport and trends in transport demand is complete and current work is focusing on assessing the broad impact of transport investment on the economy and on projecting future scenarios of transport demand.
A steering group is guiding this work, and stakeholders and advisers such as Forfas have been involved in identifying strategic priorities to ensure that our transport system best facilitates economic growth and human needs. A public consultation on the framework will take place to ensure that wider stakeholder needs and concerns are fully addressed. It is hoped that the Framework will be completed in the first half of 2014.
With regard to investment along the corridor in question I have received the NTA Implementation Plan to 2018 for the GDA, for my approval. That Plan proposes a Bus Rapid Transit Scheme as an interim solution to the short term demand needs of the Swords/Airport corridor. I am awaiting further details from the NTA on the proposal which I hope to receive in January but I believe the BRT option could offer a very feasible medium term solution to public transport demand on this important corridor.
Public Transport
Questions (20)
Thomas Pringle
Question:20. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he considers the recent fare increases introduced by public transport companies to be sustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54393/13]
View answerWritten answers
Public transport fares are the responsibility of the regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), who adjudicate on applications from the CIE companies and the Railway Procurement Agency for fare increases or changes.
In our dealings with all companies, we have consistently emphasised that they must reduce costs ahead of future fare increases or service cuts. However, in the current environment, it is the case that fare increases will be inevitable if costs cannot be reduced sufficiently in order to maintain a reasonable level of service provision and protect our network. I am aware that the NTA recently approved a range of fare increases. It is, however, important to point out that significant savings can be made by passengers who choose to avail of the integrated ticket, the Leap card. In many cases, passengers will be paying fares that are below 2011 cash fares when using the Leap card.
Notwithstanding the NTA's statutory responsibilities, the Government recognises the need for the CIÉ companies to respond to the challenge of reduced PSO subvention funding, reduced fares income arising from reductions in passenger numbers and increased costs, such as fuel costs, which are outside their control. It is important to remember that public transport remains heavily subsidised by the State and fares would be much higher if people had to bear the full cost of providing PSO services.
The Board of CIÉ is pursuing a number of measures to address the financial position, including cost reductions across the three operating companies. Improved bank facilities have been agreed, which will ensure that the Group has sufficient funding into the future. Good progress has been made recently with cost savings agreed in Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus and passenger numbers have stabilised as the economy is recovering. In our submission to the next comprehensive expenditure review, Minister Varadkar and I will be proposing that there be no further cuts to the PSO subvention from 2015.
Tourism Policy
Questions (21)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Question:21. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the tourism policy review; the issues that are emerging following the public consultation; and when the final document will be published. [54334/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Tourism Policy Review was launched on 11th September 2013 by Minister Ring and me. It was launched with the publication of an issues paper and request for submissions. The level of interest has been such that I extended the deadline for receipt of responses to the public consultation to 22 November 2013. A detailed analysis of all responses has commenced. In terms of the responses to date, over 160 submissions have been received from a wide variety of interested parties.
In addition to inviting submissions, I decided to carry out a series of workshops around the country, with regional national tourism stakeholders, which have just been completed. These workshops, which were chaired by either Minister Ring or me, were intended to allow a more focused conversation around the kinds of issues raised in our discussion document. These workshops were a valuable to explore and tease some of the key issues.
Reflecting the diverse nature of tourism itself, a wide range of issues are emerging from the consultation. They include, but are not confined to, the role of local authorities in tourism (especially in light of the Gathering); the scope for cooperative marketing between public and private sectors; the continuing importance of the visa regime in the context of developing markets; the importance of maintaining the quality and skills of those working in tourism; the importance of competitiveness, and the potential for innovation.
The views raised and other relevant evidence and analysis will now be considered, feeding into the drafting of the new policy in the New Year with a view to finalising it by Easter 2014.
Public Transport
Questions (22, 26, 31, 47, 54)
Catherine Murphy
Question:22. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if recent reductions in train frequency and number of carriages on trains at stations in County Kildare are in conflict with the requirements laid out in the public service obligation contract between the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann as agreed in 2009; if the most recent amendments to the PSO contract have been made to allow for previously agreed punctuality and reliability targets to be disregarded; if he proposes any increase in service quality for the affected areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54405/13]
View answerMartin Heydon
Question:26. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is concerned about over crowding and the safety of passengers on Irish Rail train services; if he will ensure a regular number of carriages are available capable of facilitating the number of passengers wishing to use the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54390/13]
View answer
Timmy Dooley
Question:31. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the reduction of carriages on Iarnród Éireann intercity, commuter and DART services; his views on whether these reduced services are appropriate especially during the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54396/13]
View answer
Sandra McLellan
Question:47. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he plans to increase the use of public transport in view of the recent increases in fares and reductions in services which has led to over crowding in some cases and discouraged other users. [54341/13]
View answerPat Deering
Question:54. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is concerned about over crowding and the safety of passengers on Irish Rail train services; if he will ensure that a regular number of carriages are capable of facilitating the number of passengers wishing to use the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54253/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 26, 31, 47 and 54 together.
While the issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA), Minister Varadkar and I have been in contact with both in relation to the matters raised. Any changes to rail services provided under the PSO contract with Iarnród Éireann require the approval of the NTA. The NTA reviews on a regular basis Iarnród Éireann’s performance obligation under the PSO contract with the objective of continuously improving the delivery of rail services. Since the beginning of the Contract, performance obligation targets have either been revised upwards or reporting frequencies improved where it was considered appropriate to do so. Details of Iarnród Éireann’s performance against its targets are published at regular intervals on the NTA website. The NTA is undertaking a national rail review at present in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann. This review is due to be completed in early 2014. The aim of the review is to better match service levels and service capacity with demand for travel.
Iarnród Éireann has indicated that it is in the process of implementing new energy saving fleet utilisation initiatives on its DART and Intercity services to generate fuel savings, which will reduce fuel and maintenance costs by €3.2m per annum. Concerns about overcrowding have been raised with the Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann and I understand that the company has already responded and re-introduced larger carriages to accommodate passengers where this has been considered necessary. The Chief Executive has agreed to continuous monitoring of carriage levels on both DART and Intercity services to ensure they match passenger demand.
It should be noted that carriages were only reduced at off-peak times. Overcrowding on Dart services which has occurred at peak times was caused by other issues including technical faults, industrial relations and leaf falls.
Iarnród Éireann has stated that full loading (involving standing by passengers) is the norm internationally on urban rail systems similar to Dart and Commuter services and can be safely accommodated.
In the run-up to Christmas, Iarnród Éireann has boosted off-peak DART services from 2-carriage to 4-carriage, to cater for additional demand from Christmas shoppers and leisure travellers. The company is also operating late night services on the two weekends before Christmas and on New Year’s Eve. Specific weekend Intercity services are also being increased in size in the run-up to Christmas to address additional demand.
The Railway Safety Commission (RSC) have received an increased number of public representations relating to crowding. The RSC will be monitoring crowding levels on Intercity trains in the coming weeks and the inspections will be unannounced. They have already met with Irish Rail regarding DART services and are satisfied that corrective measures have and are being taken with regard to crowding on DART.
Road Tolls
Questions (23)
Dessie Ellis
Question:23. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on his work with the Stormont Assembly in order to lobby the British Government on the proposed HGV levy and the threat it poses to cross-Border trade. [54259/13]
View answerWritten answers
Since 1999 various EU directives have set common rules on distance-related tolls and time-based user charges (vignettes) for HGVs for the use of certain infrastructure. It is open to any Member State to introduce road user charges if it wishes. Road charging is an important revenue source option in relation to funding of roads infrastructure, particularly in the context of ensuring that out of state hauliers contribute to the costs of a country’s road infrastructure.
In respect of the United Kingdom's introduction of road charging, I have had a number of contacts with my counterpart there, both in response to the initial public consultation and more recently to point out the difficulties it will create for Republic of Ireland hauliers, especially those in the border area. Furthermore, I asked that the contribution made to date, and planned future contributions, by the Irish Government to road infrastructure costs in Northern Ireland be taken into account and some provision be made for Irish-registered HGVs.
The UK Minister has responded, indicating a willingness to consider certain specified regional cross-border roads in Northern Ireland. The issue has also been discussed at transport sectoral meetings of the North South Ministerial Council, and there may be merit in seeking to discuss it again. My officials continue to liaise with their UK counterparts on this issue. Any influence that the Deputy can bring to bear on the UK authorities through his colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive would of course be welcome.
International Agreements
Questions (24)
Denis Naughten
Question:24. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop a system of US preclearance for freight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54132/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Ireland-U.S. Preclearance Agreement signed by both Governments in 2008, provides for the preclearance of commercial and general aviation aircraft and their passengers. The agreement explicitly excludes cargo preclearance. An Ireland - US Preclearance Consultative Group, comprising U.S. and Irish officials was established to monitor progress in preclearance and the issue of freight preclearance has been raised in this forum. However it presents significant challenges and progress may take some time.
Sport and Recreational Development
Questions (25)
Sandra McLellan
Question:25. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Department of Health, the sports authorities and the Health Service Executive regarding the possibility of establishing a sports and exercise department in the HSE in order to ensure that the role of exercise fitness and well being is given adequate attention in our health care system. [54337/13]
View answerWritten answers
I have no responsibility in relation to the HSE or the operational structures established within the HSE. It is entirely a matter for the Department of Health and the HSE as to how their operational structures are organised.
Sport can make a significant contribution to health and the prevention of illness and disability. There are many health benefits to be gained from participation in sport and physical activity, not just for the individual but also for our health system. Obesity costs Ireland €1.13 billion per year and an increase in sport and physical activity can help reduce health service costs and increase the overall health of the country. Both national and international research has shown that substantial physical and mental health benefits can be gained from participation in physical activity and sport. Mental health issues such as self-esteem, self-respect and confidence have all been shown to be improved through participation in physical activity and sport.
One of the commitments in Healthy Ireland, the Government Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, is to develop a plan to promote increased physical activity levels across the population. A cross-sectoral working group, which is being co-chaired by the Department of Health and this Department, has been established to develop this plan. It will provide a strong focus for modifying unhealthy life habits and promoting awareness of the benefits of physical activity, not just for health, but also in a wider socioeconomic context. The group has agreed that the Plan will focus on operational issues to encourage greater participation in, and greater recognition of the importance of, physical activity.