asked the Taoiseach if he will consider the appointment of a Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education to deal with matters immediately relating to sports.
20.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Development of Sport.
19.
asked the Taoiseach if he will consider giving responsibility to some member of the Government for the development of sport and the advancement of athletics in this country as is provided for by most European governments having regard to the high standard at the recent Olympic Games from countries where the State took an important part in the full development of sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
I do not consider that action as indicated in the questions would serve any useful purpose at present.
Surely, as a sportsman the Taoiseach must realise that in most countries where the State contributes generously to the development of sports, gold medals were won in the recent Olympics. Those mainly concerned in the recent Olympics were countries where the State contributed generously to sports. Surely the Taoiseach realises that for the development of youth and of sport it is necessary that the Government should give assistance in every way possible.
Our efforts in the recent Olympics did not compare badly with other countries, and, indeed, with many countries who have greater resources than ours, Canada and Belgium being two. In many of these countries the athletes were practically full-time sportsmen, not only with liberal time off but with total time off from their jobs. I do not think that kind of amateurism is something we should develop here.
The normal schoolchild in most European countries can expect to have a running track and a swimming pool near at hand. That is a rarity, practically non-existent, in this country. We are not talking about the relative merits of amateurism and professionalism. I am saying that we must have the lowest investment in sports in Europe and this is deplorable.
We have the greatest amateur athletic organisation in the whole world.
They could not compete in the Olympics.
I wish we could and there would be a few gold medals going around.
21.
asked the Minister for Finance whether in view of Ireland's poor performance at the Olympic Games the Government will now consider a general State investment plan in athletics and sport to include increased facilities to be provided by local authorities and educational authorities so that Irish athletes may be given equal opportunity with those from other countries and also as a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of youth.
The Government have not formulated any plans in relation to the promotion of athletics and sport. We consider that, in keeping with our tradition of amateur standing in the fields of athletics and sport, this matter is best left to the many organisations which cater for those interested in the various sporting activities.
Tangible support for athletics has, of course, been given and will continue to be given by the Government. The Department of Education make provision for physical education in the National, Secondary and Vocational Schools' system. The Department of Local Government is empowered to subsidise borrowing to provide swimming pools and to give grants for works of public amenity. The Commissioners of Public Works in their capacity as managers and controllers of the Phoenix Park, provide playing pitches and dressing rooms for a variety of sports—hurling, football, camogie, soccer, hockey, cricket et cetera are permitted in the Park.
In addition to the foregoing the income of all sports organisations in the country is exempt from income tax so long as the income is used to promote athletics or sport.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the Taoiseach aware that it is no exaggeration to say that primary school children in this country have literally no facilities whatever either by way of gymnasia or general sports facilities? We must be the exception in Europe in this regard and it can be described as a disgraceful situation——
I cannot have a speech on this Question. Will the Deputy put a question?
Mr. O'Leary
To take part in such international competitions against such a background is slaughter.
The only sport envisaged in that regard is boxing and we continue to do well in this sphere. I am not suggesting that I am satisfied with the amenities available for sporting activities in national schools. Almost all schools have playing fields attached to them. When I first became Minister for Education in 1957 there was such a backlog of bad and unsanitary schools that I had to double the school building programme and it is being maintained apace. In the meantime the Government have introduced new measures with a new branch in the Department of Education for the promotion of physical culture and I hope this will grow apace.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the Taoiseach aware that the Minister for Education said in this House that in the whole school sector we had 42 physical training instructors in the secondary school system? This can be described as a terrible situation. The position is worse in the primary schools. I would urge on the Taoiseach the fact that we must do something about it.
We must do it according to the facilities available.
Apart from the desirability of providing running tracks for Labour Deputies who want to run away from their electoral promises——
(Interruptions.)
——does the Taoiseach not think that it is much more desirable rather than to provide these peripheral amenities to provide proper office accommodation for clerical workers and proper houses for people, and schools for their children——
(Interruptions.)
It is time you thought about it. Further arising from the Taoiseach's reply, is he aware that it is almost impossible to get a grant from the Department of Local Government for amenities such as recreation grounds and swimming pools——
(Interruptions.)