Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 2

Written Answers. - Community Games.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

65 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the proposals he has to ensure an adequate and suitable venue for the community games (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1161/01]

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

68 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the arrangements that are being made to hold the community games in 2001; if a suitable venue has been decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1898/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 68 and 83 together.

Arrangements over the last number of years between the proprietor of the Mosney holiday camp and the national community games organisation were a commercial matter for the two parties. Before Christmas, my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Donoghue, met representatives of the national community games to discuss the possibility of accommodating this year's games at Mosney in the light of the proprietor's recent decision to enter into arrangements to provide accommodation for asylum seekers at the camp. Officials from my Department were also present.

Arising from this meeting and subsequent efforts by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Directorate of Asylum Support Services, I am advised that it has been found possible to offer Mosney camp to the national community games as a venue for finals again this year. I am pleased to note that at the community games AGM held last weekend in Tullamore, the organisation decided to accept this offer and hold the games in Mosney in 2001.