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Sport and Recreational Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022

Thursday, 24 February 2022

Ceisteanna (251, 252)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department continue to encourage participation in sports in 2022 with particular reference to the necessity to encourage wider participation in the aftermath of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10754/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she proposes to encourage sporting and recreation activities at local level in 2022; the ongoing expenditure in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10755/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.

The Winter Initiative is a rolling programme of activities and initiatives that aims to get people back to sport and increase participation in the aftermath of COVID-19. The programme has run successfully over the past few months, with a wide range of activities taking place throughout the sports sector. It has provided National Governing Bodies of Sport with a perfect platform to launch their Autumn and Winter Programmes and will continue up to the end of March.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that at the last count there were over 700 events occurring under the Winter Initiative. 66 National Governing Bodies of Sport are participating, as are all 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Details on the events that are taking place can be found on the website of Sport Ireland, and through the respective organisations running the events. It is my intention that a similar programme will be run next Winter and to that end my Department and Sport Ireland will commence planning in that regard in the coming months.

I have referred the Deputy’s question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the level of ongoing expenditure being incurred on encouraging sporting activity at local level in 2022. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

Question No. 252 answered with Question No. 251.
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