Dáil Éireann - Volume 502 - 11 March, 1999

Written Answers. - Sports Development.

102. Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps, if any, being taken to ensure the proper development of sport in all areas of Ireland; and if a proper assessment of training needs in Irish sport has been carried out in view of the fact it is vital to the effective [434] implementation of the national plan for sport. [7463/99]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid): An important element of ongoing work on the development of strategic planning within national governing bodies of sport, being carried out in close consultation with the National Coaching and Training Centre, is the identification of future training needs for each specific sport. This process facilitates the identification of any gaps which may exist in the training area, and will inform Sports Council recommendations as to future initiatives at the level of governing bodies and the National Coaching and Training Centre to facilitate the effective development of sport in Ireland.