Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sporting Appointments.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

38 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the progress, if any, that has been made in his discussions with the Department of the Environment and Local Government regarding the implementation of the commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium to appoint local authority sport and leisure officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3286/98]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

39 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps, if any, he has in train to fulfil the commitment in An Action Programme for the Milliennium to appoint community facilitators in disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3314/98]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.

My Department has already commenced examining, in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council, how best to advance key priorities in regard to sport and leisure set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium. The Department is currently in the process of recruiting a number of staff specifically to help progress these priorities. One of the initial tasks for the successful applicants will be to assist in developing detailed proposals on how best to use the concept of locally based officers to promote sport and recreation, especially in disadvantaged areas. These proposals will be prepared in consultation with the Department of the Environment and Local Government, particularly with reference to the role of local authorities in implementation.