Emmet Stagg
Ceist:18 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his views on whether special attention should be given to sports where those of all ages can participate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11773/99]
Written Answers. - Sports Policy.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:21 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the specific measures, if any, being put in place to promote sport among senior citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11771/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 21 together.
A key sport policy objective of my Department is to encourage increased participation in sport and recreation by people of all ages and abilities, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. Towards this end the Department provides financial assistance to some 75 national governing bodies of sport for sport participation programmes and, from time to time, to a range of other organisations in respect of specific projects and programmes directed at increasing participation in sport.
In the past such organisations have included the Irish Heart Foundation, Dublin Healthy Cities Project and Age and Opportunity, an organisation which directs its programmes towards older people, for its "Go for Life" programme, which provides older people with the opportunity to participate in sport.
As Deputies will be aware, legislation is currently before the Seanad regarding the creation of a new statutory Sports Council which will have a number of functions, including a statutory function of developing strategies for increasing participation in sport and the co-ordination of their implementation by all bodies involved in promoting recreational sport and providing recreational facilities.