Minutes of Proceedings

In attendance for a meeting to discuss common interest sporting issues: The Dáil and Seanad Joint Committee on Tourism, Sport and Recreation - Ms Breeda Moynihan-Cronin TD (Fianna Fail), Chairperson, Mr Matt Brennan TD (Fianna Fail), Mr Michael Joe Cosgrove TD (Fine Gael), and Senator Fintan Coogan (Fine Gael).
In attendance for a presentation on the roles and responsibilities for sport and recreation in Northern Ireland: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland - Professor Eric Saunders OBE, Chairman, Mr Eamonn McCartan, Chief Executive, Dr Shaun Ogle, Director of Development Services and Ms Miriam McAtackney, Sports Development Officer.

The Chairperson opened the meeting, in public, at 2:45pm.

1. Chairperson's business

1.1. The Chairperson extended a welcome to the Chairperson and members of the Dáil and Seanad Joint Committee on Tourism, Sport and Recreation.

1.2. The Chairperson of the Joint Committee responded by saying how delighted they were to be here and hoped that regular contact would be maintained.

2. Presentation by the Sports Council

2.1. The Chairperson introduced the members of the Sports Council delegation and welcomed them to the meeting.

2.2. The Sports Council delivered a presentation on the roles and responsibilities for sport and recreation in Northern Ireland.

3. The role of sport and recreation in the fight against drugs and crime amongst young people

3.1. The Chairperson invited the Joint Committee to state how its National Drugs Strategy is working.

3.2. The Joint Committee Chairperson briefed the Committee on progress in that area emphasising the role that volunteers had to play.

Mr ONeill left the chair at 3:11pm to attend to other Assembly business and it was agreed that Mr Wilson would assume the chair during that period.

4. The Development of Youth Soccer

4.1. The Committees discussed aspects of youth soccer in both jurisdictions and in particular, the social benefits associated with involvement in the sport from an early age.

Mr Davis left the meeting at 3:50pm.
Mr ONeill returned to the meeting and resumed the chair at 3:52pm.
Dr Adamson left the meeting at 3:52pm.

5. The role of Local Authorities in sport and recreation

5.1. The Chairperson invited the Sports Council to talk about the important contribution made by District Councils in the provision of sporting and recreational facilities in Northern Ireland.

5.2. The Committees discussed the importance of the role of sports development officers.

5.3. The Committees discussed the problems caused by misuse of skateboards, quads and jetskis and the need for proper management to maintain safety standards.

6. Sport and Education

6.1. The Committees discussed sports provision in schools in both jurisdictions.

7. The World Special Olympics 2003

7.1. The Sports Council advised on how Northern Ireland would contribute to the success of the World Special Olympics in 2003.

7.2. The Joint Committee advised that it would be receiving a briefing on recent developments on the Special Olympics in the next few weeks.

The Chairperson brought the meeting to a close at 4:45pm.

E ONeill
Chairperson