An Ceann Comhairle: We must proceed to Question No. 54 to the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation. As Deputy Bernard Allen is not present, the question cannot be taken. We will proceed to Question No. 55.

An Ceann Comhairle: Standing Order 41 does not permit a substitute at this stage. Unfortunately, the questions in Deputy Allen's name cannot be taken.

National Drugs Strategy.

55. Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the total amount of money allocated, and not yet drawn down, in each of the years 1996 and 1997 for local initiatives to combat drugs arising from the report of the Ministerial Task Force on the Reduction in the Demand for Drugs; the steps, if any, being taken to speed up the drawing down of money allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3580/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Mr. Flood): Following the publication of the ministerial task force report in October 1996, the Government allocated £10 million in 1997 to support the implementation of nearly 230 separate initiatives and action plans which were prepared by the local drugs task forces. These task forces were set up to develop and implement an integrated response to the drug problem in their areas and involved local communities in the planning, design and implementation of that response. Funding for this initiative is held in the Vote of my Department and is transferred on request as projects become operational to other Departments and agencies which are acting as channels of funding to the approved projects. Approximately £5.6 million has been drawn down by these Departments and agencies to date and 80 per cent of the projects are currently drawing down funding. An important feature of the initiative is the engagement of local communities in the design and planning of strategies to respond to the drug problem in their area and in the implementation of approved projects. In the majority of cases this has been undertaken by voluntary and community groups in partnership with relevant statutory agencies and assisted by the local drugs task forces. It is hoped this approach will assist the viability and sustainability of these projects and facilitate their future mainstreaming. However, a vital prerequisite to achieving this is the need to develop the capacity of community and voluntary organisations to deliver locally based drug programmes and services.

In the task force areas where strong community structures were already in place prior to setting up the initiative, the emphasis in the action plan was on developing and expanding these structures. Accordingly in such areas it was possible to get the majority of approved projects up and running relatively quickly. It is notable that these areas either had a long tradition of community involvement in responding to the drug problem or had a local partnership company which had established a strong committee network in the area. Conversely in the areas where community networks were less developed, the emphasis in the plans was on building up these structures and as a result it has taken longer to get projects off the ground.

The four principal features which have impacted on the speed at which projects are being established are that they are being designed to address gaps in current service provision, which means that in many instances they have had to be designed and planned from scratch. In many instances appropriate local management structures have had to be put in place as a prerequisite to ensuring that the projects will work effectively, meet their objectives and are sustainable with a view to their future mainstreaming. There was a lack of suitable infrastructure or premises from which programmes or services could be run and in a number of instances, there was local opposition to such services due to a misunderstanding as to their purpose, which is to provide back-up and support to the care and aftercare services being provided by the health boards. There is a shortage of appropriately trained personnel to deliver drug programmes and services and there is potential competition which this can cause between projects. The local drugs task forces, the Departments and agencies acting as channels of funding and the national drugs strategy team all play an important role in ensuring the effective implementation and monitoring of group projects. The task forces assist in the planning and design of the projects and submit regular reports to the national drugs strategy team on progress in their implementation. The team members and the statutory representatives on the task forces are making every effort to assist the projects in overcoming problems and difficulties inhibiting the start up of projects being funded through their Department or agencies.

I assure the Deputy that the £10 million provided by the Government to support initiatives in the local drugs task force areas will be fully spent and the initiatives will make a considerable positive impact on the lives of the communities concerned.

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin: Is the Minister aware that nearly 40 per cent of the 1996 budget allocation for the initiatives to combat drugs remains unspent and that £4 million was left unspent last year? The Minister said difficulties were experienced in local communities when centres were being set up. Are there procedures in place for consultation with local people prior to the setting up of treatment centres? It has been suggested that more could be done to get the local people on board and the drugs task force has a role to play in allaying the fears of the communities. What action has been taken in this regard?

Mr. Flood: The Deputy raises a number of issues and I will deal with them as precisely as I can. With regard to the drawdown of funding, the task forces were established in 1996 arising from the ministerial report and funding of £10 million was provided in 1997. There are somewhere in the order of 230 specific individual projects. These projects are essentially community based and that is one of the strengths of the approach in establishing the national drugs strategy team and in empowering local communities through the provision of resources. The projects were put forward and eventually approved in mid and late 1997. Projects were given an interim approval in mid 1997 and final approval by the end of 1997. The promoters had to come together in terms of putting in place the infrastructure which in some instances could involve seeking planning permission for buildings and so on. There were misunderstandings in the local communities which had to be overcome.

There was the question of the recruitment of specialist staff by the individual projects which took some time. I assure the Deputy that there were no delays by the national drugs strategy team in making funding available through the channels of funding that were laid down on the original establishment of local drugs task forces. It has taken some local groups and organisations time to get up and running in order to draw down the funding. However, an erroneous impression may have been created that such funding remains unspent because it has not been drawn down. That is not the case because many local groups draw it down through the funding agency as required, otherwise they could not plan their projects, whether infrastructural or educational.

The funding continues to be drawn down at an increasing rate. It is interesting that more than 90 per cent of the funding which has not been drawn down relates to infrastructure. The Deputy asked what local health boards or local drugs task forces are doing to engage communities in the consultation process. A crucial difficulty relates to the expenditure of the final moneys for the provision of infrastructure for treatment and services, etc. There have been considerable objections to the provision of treatment facilities and services, some in my own area and those of other Members. These are being gradually overcome through the adoption of a more positive approach by the relevant health boards. In most cases, it is the Eastern Health Board and it engages more communities in consultation with the support of the local drugs task force.

Problems still remain and I appeal to all Members, where they are confronted with the possible provision of a treatment facility or service in their areas, to give leadership in encouraging communities to accept it while at the same time demanding that the local health board and drugs task force operate properly and provide representation on monitoring committees, etc., in these communities.

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin: Will the Minister give a commitment to spend all the money allocated in 1996? He stated that communication with local communities has not been very successful so far and I agree that we should give leadership. He also stated in his reply that there has been a shortage of trained personnel. How much is spent on training and how many people are currently in training?

Mr. Flood: I am not able to provide a precise figure to the Deputy and I do not want to mislead her in that regard. However, I assure her that a number of local drugs task forces put forward proposals in which training was a significant element. I refer her to an organisation called URRUS which has been very successful in training community leaders and activists. I frequently present certificates to successful trainees who have come through the process. However, I will make the information requested available to the Deputy together with details of individual programmes.

She referred to engaging communities and I agree with her. I am responsible for the national drugs strategy and represent an area where a local drugs task force exists. The Eastern Health Board has been very industrious in attempting to provide facilities, etc.. There were difficulties in the past in terms of communicating with communities. Such communities should not come to the conclusion that if they are consulted they have a veto on proposals to provide treatment facilities and services. That is not the case and where it is shown, through consultation, that treatment facilities and services are required they must be provided. Communities cannot, for different reasons, turn their backs on other members of the same communities who require treatment in a local setting. Facilities which are provided should be properly managed by a monitoring committee. This should include members of the community to be successful and not give rise to difficulties. There are many examples in the areas most beset by the effects of the misuse of hard drugs.

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin: How many centres have been set up or are in train? Who monitors the progress of the projects which are up and running? How are they integrating with local communities?

Mr. Flood: These questions come under the remit of the Department of Health and Children and the Eastern Health Board, but I can give the Deputy information that was provided to me recently. The EHB has established up to 40 treatment centres in recent years across Dublin in areas where they are most needed.

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin: What about outside Dublin?

Mr. Flood: I cannot provide that information because it is a health board issue, but I will bring the Deputy's inquiry to the attention of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children. There are 12 local drugs task forces in Dublin and one in Cork. The EHB will establish a further nine treatment centres, although some are subject to the planning process. There has been significant provision at local level. Local drugs task forces have been pivotal in developing, and assisting in the development of, treatment facilities and services. They make a considerable impact on the provision of services, facilities, counselling, etc., not just for the drug user but for his or her family and the wider community.

Tourism Revenue.

58. Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the further progress, if any, he has made in relation to his proposal to introduce a £3 tourist tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3484/99]

Mr. Allen: Over the next two months.

Dr. McDaid: One of the options which I have explored in consultation with the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation for the future financing of tourism destination marketing is the possible introduction of a modest visitor levy in line with practice in many other countries. This, of course, is without prejudice to the case for continued EU funding for tourism marketing under the next round of Structural Funds. While my deliberations on future options have progressed well, no final decision have yet been taken on this matter.

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin: I thank the Minister for his good wishes and also hope that I am here for at least two years. The Minister stated that no decision has been taken regarding the tax but the perception is that it will be put in place. Will the Minister put the industry at ease and say that he will not introduce this tax? Ireland is perceived as an expensive destination because it is an island. Does he agree that the introduction of such a tax would encourage visitors to come into Ireland through airports and ports in Northern Ireland?

Dr. McDaid: We agreed to establish a tourism marketing fund in our programme for Government. How that is established appears to be the problem. This does not mean that we will give up our request for Structural Funds for the entire industry. However, we must be realists and accept it has been indicated that there will be a reduction in EU funding for this area. We will be between £10 million and £15 million short in terms of marketing. This country is currently at the top of the European tourism league. Our figures are phenomenal. By the year 2006 the figures show that eight million people will visit this island. That will be worth £4.3 billion in revenue, making tourism the largest single industry in the country. Good policies have been pursued by different Administrations over recent years and we have kept the industry to the fore. I will not take my foot off the pedal and allow the marketing area to lose out on funding. If there is a crisis or if budgetary cutbacks are required, the simplest place to cut back is in the market. I am sure the Deputy will agree that we require a tourism marketing fund, but the problem is where that fund will come from. The strategy is that it would come from the EU, the Exchequer and the industry itself.

With the modest levy we could set up a fund - the industry has agreed that we require a £20 million fund - over the next five years, rather than have an ad hoc system where one wonders what one will get year after year. The tourism marketing fund we have agreed to set up is what the industry needs in future. A small levy would be one way in which we could proceed, but no decision has yet been taken on that. I have been in discussions over the past six months with the industry. I have assured them that no decisions will be taken unless they are in agreement and that is where the matter rests at present.

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin: I agree 100 per cent with the Minister that we need to market Ireland and I have always said so. In my constituency we are well aware of the need for marketing. Does the Minister not agree, however, that the Government has a duty to shoulder a major proportion of the marketing budget, as the Exchequer is the main beneficiary from the billions of pounds we receive from tourism?

Dr. McDaid: Yes, of course, I agree that the Exchequer benefits enormously from tourism but the Exchequer provides up to £30 million towards Bord Fáilte. Approximately £8 million of that goes towards the true marketing area. There will be a huge deficit, however, if EU funding dries up. Unlike any other sector, tourism must begin marketing a couple of years in advance. A fund is required to plan for the future. The Exchequer will not be found wanting in that area, if it comes to that.

I still want to be able to set up this fund which will put the industry on a firm footing over the next five years. No decision has been taken on this matter yet, but at the end of the day the Exchequer and the Government will not be found wanting as regards funding.

Mr. Kenny: I have not come back to haunt the Minister from a previous existence, but Deputy Allen has the flu. The Minister said that no final decision had been taken on deliberations concerning a possible small levy. He also mentioned the establishment of a fund of £15 million to £20 million. How much is being spent on marketing Ireland by the industry? I know about the floppy disc one can get for this purpose.

Is the Minister flying a kite? He has covered every conceivable aspect of this matter. Is this a deliberate policy by the Minister to introduce a minor levy, as he calls it, which would increase as time goes on? Will he clarify the position regarding this proposal - is it serious or is it dead in the water?

Dr. McDaid: The industry has put approximately £1 million into destination marketing, which is the OTMI. However, as the Deputy knows from having been in this position previously, all those involved in the industry say they are doing individual marketing as well. They state that the figure they are putting in on an individual basis, whether it be Aer Lingus, other air carriers or ferries, is approximately between £40 million and £50 million.

I firmly believe that a marketing fund is necessary. The industry's research indicates that £20 million per year is required. The introduction of a small levy, as has been mentioned, is a way of putting the industry on a firm footing over the next five years. The matter has been discussed at length with the industry. It is not a kite. We could apply that type of idea.

I remind the Deputy that a similar levy applies in all European countries, with the exception of Italy and Switzerland which do not have to do any marketing. For example, in Austria the levy is £8 and in Belgium it is £10. In Denmark, where it was introduced last year, it is £7.80, in Finland £7.30, France £7, Germany £3, Greece £14, the Netherlands £3.20, Norway £12.20, Portugal £7.80, Spain £4, Sweden £10 and in the United Kingdom it is £10 sterling. The levy operates in nearly every country in Europe where it is put towards a marketing fund. I believe in the idea and think such a levy is needed here if we are to put the industry on a firm footing, but it will not stop us from seeking further EU funding. As I stated, no decision has yet been taken. A decision will only be taken when I have the full co-operation of the industry.

Mr. Kenny: The Minister has clarified two things: first, this is not a kite and, therefore, it is a distinct proposal by the Minister and his Department and, second, there are similar levies in other European countries. However, the very reason for our success in tourism is not our similarity to other European countries but our difference. Is the Minister not contradicting himself by saying that this is a distinct and definite proposal to the industry, while at the same time saying that if there is a shortfall the Exchequer will not be found wanting? Is the Minister not giving the industry a clear out by saying that he will cover whatever shortfall exists? Even if the industry rejects the proposal for a minor levy proposal, the Minister has already confirmed that the Exchequer will take up the slack.

Dr. McDaid: I see the point the Deputy is making. I am saying, however, that the Government is trying to set up such a system on a firm basis. I have already pointed out that over the next four years, tourism will become the number one industry, worth £4.3 billion to the economy. We need to have a planning strategy in place so that we can plan for the next five years. Otherwise, we will go back to the usual system of getting a bit from the Exchequer on a year by year basis. There is no future planning in that type of system.

Dr. Upton: How much does the Minister propose to raise from this tax? What is the cost, in terms of infrastructure and wear and tear, for the average tourist who is here for an average period? Can I take it that the Minister will push this proposal in the event of the industry not agreeing to it? The industry would be very foolish to agree to it. Will the Minister implement this tax in the event of the industry not accepting it? What will happen in that event?

Dr. McDaid: It is estimated on the basis of current figures that it would be worth approximately £20 million a year. In the initial years, it would be worth approximately £17 million with extra amounts available to the Exchequer in subsequent years.

Dr. Upton: What is the cost in terms of wear and tear caused by tourists to infrastructure? For example, how much water does the average tourist use while in Ireland and what is the estimated cost in terms of road use? I understand these taxes are put in place in other countries to meet those costs.

Dr. McDaid: I am not sure I fully understand the Deputy's point. However, the money raised would not be used for infrastructure. It would be geared towards marketing.

Mr. Timmins: Does the Minister have any fears that if this tax is implemented it may set an unhealthy precedent in terms of, for example, Galway County Council's idea of charging an entry tax to the Aran Islands? I understand the Minister's Department is in the process of appointing consultants to examine the structures in tourism. If that is the case, will the concept of a tourist tax be included in the consultants' terms of reference?

Dr. McDaid: This is a matter for the industry and me and no decision has been taken. We are discussing it as a possible method of meeting shortfalls. The point raised by the Deputy about Galway County Council is a matter for the Department of the Environment and Local Government. However, Ireland will face huge competition in the coming years, particularly from the Far East and China. If Ireland is to maintain its current status, which has been built up by different Administrations in recent years, we must ensure a proper marketing fund is available. It is one idea and it does not prevent us seeking further EU funds. It will not be introduced unless the industry agrees.

Sports Anti-Doping Programme.

59. Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the number of tests for performance enhancing drugs carried out to date in 1999. [3416/99]

80. Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will provide an update on the implementation of drugs testing in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3448/99]

Dr. McDaid: I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 80 together.

In June 1998 I launched details of Ireland's first ever national sports anti-doping programme. The draft programme was circulated to all national governing bodies of sport recognised for the purposes of public funding, the Olympic Council of Ireland and other interested parties.

The programme will be implemented under the auspices of the Irish sports council when the council is established on a statutory basis. As the Deputy may be aware, I presented the text of the Sports Council Bill in October 1998 and Second Stage was passed last week in the House.

Under the proposed legislation, a specific function of the Irish sports council will be "to take such action as it considers appropriate, including testing, to combat doping in sport". The proposed programme will comprise a three strand approach to the issue of doping in sport - education, research and testing.

Testing under the programme is due to begin as soon as the statutory sports council is established. Work is already underway in my Department to advance various operational matters to facilitate immediate implementation of the programme by the new council, particularly the testing programme. Such matters include, for example, seeking tenders for the collection of samples, both in and out of competition, from athletes and for the provision of the necessary laboratory analysis services.

In addition, the current sports council is asking all NGBs to ensure they have appropriate enabling mechanisms within their constitutions to facilitate the effective working of the programme, including adherence to any guidelines the new statutory council may issue in the context of the programme. Once the national sports anti-doping programme is operational, Ireland will be in a position to ratify the Council of Europe Anti-Doping Convention, 1989, which we signed in June 1992.

My Department would not have any information with regard to the level of testing of Irish athletes undertaken to date in 1999 by their national governing bodies, international federations or the Olympic movement.

Mr. Kenny: Will the Minister comment on the nauseating spectacle of adulation which was presented to Mr. Samaranch in Lausanne recently? Given the failure of the political process to impose its will in terms of the prevention of drug abuse and steroid taking, will the Minister consider whether Irish athletes should go to Sydney in view of the unprecedented scale of drug taking which has encompassed athletics globally?

Why do the IRFU and the Olympic Council of Ireland have their own dope testing procedures given that it has not been possible to implement the sports anti-doping programme? Has the Minister had any discussions with the Gaelic Athletic Association, given the build and nature of some of the teams which have emerged in the past ten years? Does the Minister consider there is drug taking within the confines of the last truly amateur game left on the planet?

Dr. McDaid: I have no information regarding the Gaelic Athletic Association, the IRFU or the OCI. No programme has yet been established to do this type of testing. When the Sports Council Bill is passed and enforced, the first form of independent testing will be carried out. The IRFU and the OCI have their own testing regimes, but I do not agree with it because they are not independent. Under the new sports council, a special committee will be established. This will be independent of the sports council and other bodies. I do not agree with doctors investigating doctors or the Garda investigating the Garda. The type of agency which will be established will be totally independent of each of the national governing bodies. It will be then up to the governing bodies to bring forward what I hope will be uniform sanctions which will be imposed if athletes are caught taking drugs.

It would be a sad day if Irish athletes did not go to Sydney. I agree with the Deputy that, unfortunately, we no longer own sport and it appears big business and multinationals have taken it over. However, I would not advocate that Irish athletes who have trained comprehensively and studiously over many long dark nights should not go to Sydney. Ireland will send a team to Sydney and I have no hesitation about Irish athletes participating in the games.

I do not understand the Deputy's comments about a nauseating spectacle. I assume the Deputy is referring to the fact that people were bowing to the President of the International Olympic Committee.

Mr. Kenny: There were speeches of adulation.

Dr. McDaid: A question on that matter will be taken later and I will deal with the Deputy's comments then.

Dr. Upton: Does the Minister agree it is entirely unsatisfactory and almost bordering on the outrageous that he does not know the number of tests carried out in Ireland for performance enhancing drugs?

Dr. McDaid: There were none.

Dr. Upton: The figure could be anything between zero and infinity.

Dr. McDaid: There is nothing in Ireland.

Dr. Upton: It is appalling.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: A question please, Deputy. We are not making much progress

Dr. Upton: How can we confront the menace of the use of drugs in sport without a proper testing service in Ireland?

Dr. McDaid: I agree with the Deputy. I will be the first Minister to introduce an anti-doping policy in Ireland. Up to now, organisations have not had an anti-doping policy and tests are not carried out in Ireland. I intended to have 600 tests carried out here before the end of 1999 and, after the results became available, I would have known the prevalence of dope taking by Irish athletes. However, unfortunately, the Sports Council Bill has not yet been passed by the House. Only the Second Stage is agreed to date.

The role of the House is to pass legislation. Unfortunately, in the past number of weeks, it has been used as a theatre, a stage and a court of law. It would be nice if the House returned to the business for which we were all elected, the passing of legislation. If the Bill is passed, I will be in a position to answer the Deputy's questions.

Dr. Upton: I could not agree more with the Minister. Will he give a guarantee to the House that the 1,600 tests to which he referred will be carried out in 1999?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: Before the Minister replies, I will take a final supplementary from Deputy Kenny.

Mr. Kenny: Is the Minister concerned at reports that young athletes showing potential in second level schools are being enticed into taking performance-enhancing drugs and has he any proposals to deal with this?

Dr. McDaid: In answer to Deputy Upton's question, I hope to carry out as many tests as possible as soon as the Bill is passed. I appreciate the co-operation I have received from Deputies on both sides of the House in getting the Bill to Committee Stage. I assure Deputy Upton that if he wishes to put down some worthy amendments, I will not be found wanting so we can proceed in passing the Bill. Two mobile units will traverse the country taking tests at any GAA ground, boxing arena, swimming pool or tennis club. I have planned for that as soon as the Bill is passed.

As regards Deputy Kenny's question, we have discussed that matter in the House. In certain schools and in certain sports, children have been exposed to medicinal substances, about which I have a great deal of suspicion. Not enough research has been done in this area. Deputies have previously and rightly condemned the use of any substance about which they are concerned. Other than sending out that message from the House, we have also written to schools expressing our concern.

Proposed Stadia.

60. Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will give a progress report on the construction of the national stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3441/99]

70. Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation when the next meeting of the National Stadium steering committee will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1916/99]

74. Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the contact, if any, he has had with the Football Association of Ireland in relation to its recent announcement of a stadium for the Citywest site, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3442/99]

82. Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will offer Government support to the plans produced by the Football Association of Ireland for the arena stadium in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3443/99]

88. Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if two new major stadia are being planned for the Dublin area, one by the Football Association of Ireland in Saggart, Dublin 24 and another by a mainly private consortium in the Phoenix Park area; if he has met the prospective developers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3491/99]

Dr. McDaid: I propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 70, 74, 82 and 88 together. On 13 October of last year, the Government agreed to the commissioning of a feasibility study for the development of a national stadium, and to the establishment of a stadium steering committee to conduct the feasibility study and to make recommendations based on the findings of the study.

The steering committee is chaired by Mr. Derek Keogh and includes representatives from major sporting organisations, including the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU, as well as representatives from the private sector and a number of Government Departments. Through this process, the major sporting organisations, including the FAI, will be in a position to bring their perspectives to bear.

The committee will oversee the preparation of a feasibility study which will address the issues necessary for the Government to make an early decision on the matter. The study will examine a range of issues relevant to the feasibility of developing and operating a stadium, the economic, social and other benefits that can be expected to be derived, and will analyse potential demand for use of the facilities from various sporting, entertainment and other commercial categories. Such analysis will clearly need to take cognisance of all existing and proposed stadia developments, such as the plans recently announced by the FAI for a stadium in west Dublin.

A process to select experts to carry out the feasibility study is now under way, and a number of consultants have been invited to submit tenders for the task by a deadline of today, 9 February. The next meeting of the steering committee is scheduled for 22 February. It is expected that the finalised feasibility study and the steering committee's recommendations on it will be available for consideration by the Government by September 1999.

Meanwhile, the FAI in presenting its proposals for its arena project has indicated that it intends putting in place arrangements to ensure that its proposed stadium will be self-financing and not reliant on external grant aid. No application for funding has been received from the FAI by my Department in respect of this project. The chief executive of the FAI has recently written to me to arrange to give me and Minister of State, Deputy Flood, a full presentation on the project and I look forward to meeting the association shortly in this regard. I am not aware of any recent proposals for a stadium in the Phoenix Park area, nor have I met any prospective developers in this context.

Dr. Upton: To what extent will the expert group interact with the major sporting organisations, for example, with the FAI as regards its new stadium plan and also with the GAA as regards Croke Park? The outcome of the report and its recommendations will be conditioned by the response the group receives from the major sporting bodies, for example, from the GAA as regards the use of Croke Park by a larger number of sporting bodies.

Dr. McDaid: All the various sporting organisations are represented on the steering committee and we have already sent out tenders for a feasibility study to be carried out. This will determine the position of the FAI and the GAA as regards their stadia plans. We are interested in the outcome of the feasibility study which will determine if the development of a national stadium is possible. However, I am sure the FAI and the IRFU are as interested in the result of the feasibility study as we are. As the FAI has said it is going ahead with its stadium, it will be interested, perhaps more than any other body, in the results of the feasibility study.

Mr. Deasy: It seems extraordinary that a number of national stadia have been proposed recently. We have waited for such developments for 20 or 30 years and other than the extension and modernisation of Croke Park, nothing has happened. The GAA has made its decision and has built the bulk of what it proposed to develop. The new Cusack stand has been built and the development of the canal end is in progress. This seems to isolate the GAA, which is unfortunate as Croke Park is inhibited by the lack of parking in the vicinity.

I referred to Phoenix Park in my question but I was fishing in the dark to a degree. The racehorse owner and international currency dealer, J.P. McManus, announced some months ago that he was willing to put up a considerable amount of money, £10 million, £20 million or £30 million, towards the construction of a national stadium, which confused me a little. However, if he is prepared to do that and if he has others on board, that is fine. Is he part of the group of various sporting organisations to which the Minister referred?

The FAI has proposed a new soccer stadium for Saggart.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: A question please, Deputy.

Mr. Deasy: This is a great idea and has been welcomed by all soccer followers in the country. It should have been done years ago when we were on the crest of a wave. How will these four proposals - Croke Park, Mr. McManus' project, the FAI project and the Minister's grandiose scheme, which I welcome - be moulded together? Surely what we need is a large super stadium for every major sport?

Dr. McDaid: I agree with the Deputy that we require one major stadium for sport. However, I disagree with him as regards Croke Park. The Deputy will be aware that Croke Park is operational practically every week of the year, for Leinster matches, club finals, and womens' football which has undergone a recent upsurge.

Mr. Kenny: It is ladies' football.

Mr. Deasy: We know a little bit about that in Waterford.

Dr. McDaid: Yes, Waterford knows more about that. Other stadia have to be used for these matches. This country requires a national stadium. San Francisco has an approximate population of one to two million people and it has five stadia. One national stadium in addition to Croke Park would be the ideal solution.

As regards J.P. McManus, he is represented on the committee by a solicitor. As I said previously, the culture in this country tends to change slowly, sometimes too slowly. However, I hope the culture that gave rise to the likes of J. P. McManus never changes and that we will continue to have people like him who are entrepreneurs and interested in sport and who are willing to put their money, as a gift to the nation, into sport.

With regard to the FAI, I have welcomed its proposal for a stadium in west Dublin. It is long overdue. I believe it could have built a stadium some years ago. Now that the FAI has made its announcement and I have established a steering committee to examine the feasibility of a national stadium, we are both watching each other. However, I guarantee the Deputy that the feasibility study will go ahead. It will take into consideration the proposed FAI stadium and the possibility that that stadium might not come to fruition. The FAI will be as interested in the results of the feasibility study as I and other Deputies.

Dr. Upton: To what extent will the location of the stadium be a factor in the considerations of the expert group? Is the proposal for a stadium or for a sports complex which includes shopping centres, hotels and the other facilities which are attached to these stadia in other countries?

Dr. McDaid: I cannot answer the Deputy's question because it is a matter for the steering committee. However, the indication was that the stadium would be an all purpose facility to cater for all sports, including entertainment.

Mr. Kenny: These are concepts for the future but I support the general principle. Is the Minister satisfied that the path he is adopting is clear in so far as he will not leave himself open to legal challenge from those who might believe they did not benefit from the application of due process to their proposals for the national stadium? Following the feasibility study, does the Minister hope to be in a position this year or next year to provide capital funding for the commencement of this project?

Dr. McDaid: We would not undertake a feasibility study unless the Government was determined to take it on board. The political will is there. I am fortunate to have a Taoiseach and a Minister for Finance whose spiritual homes are in Croke Park and the Curragh as opposed to Croagh Patrick and Lough Derg. I am sure funding will be available. I am also quite comfortable with regard to the other issue mentioned by the Deputy.

Tourism Industry.

61. Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation where Ireland lies in terms of value for money in the areas of hotel accommodation, restaurant prices, drinks prices and car hire prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3478/99]

Dr. McDaid: The best available gauge of visitor perceptions of value for money in areas such as those specified by the Deputy is the biennial Bord Fáilte visitor attitudes survey, the most recent of which was carried out in 1997. The results of that survey show that more than eight in ten overseas holiday makers who use top and medium grade hotels were very or fairly satisfied with price as were eight in ten who used other grade hotels; 97 per cent of overseas holiday makers who used high quality restaurants and more than nine out of ten who used budget restaurants were very or fairly satisfied with price and three out of four overseas holiday makers who rented or hired cars were very or fairly satisfied with price.

In a comparison of prices generally, 89 per cent of overseas holiday makers considered prices in Ireland to be lower, about the same or higher but acceptable, compared to prices in their own country and 81 per cent considered prices in Ireland to be lower, about the same or higher but acceptable compared to prices in other holiday destinations which were believed to offer the same type of holiday as Ireland.

While there can be no room for complacency and we must continue to strive for improvement, there is no doubt that these results are reassuring.

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin: While I agree with much of the Minister's reply, does he agree that the cost of car hire is a huge issue and is not value for money? Does he intend to introduce any measures to tackle this problem? The difficulty with the cost of car hire is attributable to the short season and the length of time cars are out on hire. Does the Minister further agree that the congestion of the roads out of Dublin, the lack of adequate air services to regional airports and an inadequate rail service mean that destinations outside Dublin are at a disadvantage?

Dr. McDaid: I agree with the Deputy's last point. With regard to car hire, the situation has improved dramatically in recent years, particularly with the introduction of the special arrangements for VRT. That has improved matters by giving the car hire companies a cashflow, which they did not have previously. The increased number of tourists coming to this country and the extension of the season have also helped in keeping car hire prices down. These factors have also assisted in improving car hire services. Certainly, some people will claim that car hire is a problem but where car hire is included in package deals, it has improved dramatically.

Mr. Kenny: Does the Minister agree that one of the inhibiting factors in having a quality holiday experience in this country is the disgraceful condition of many of our resorts and scenic areas due to litter and the carelessness of the people who leave refuse in such areas? Will he, with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, launch a national clean up campaign and instil pride in our people about the condition of our country?

Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin: The Minister agreed that areas outside Dublin are at a disadvantage. Does he intend to take any measures, particularly with regard to rail and air services to the regions, to give these areas a fair crack of the whip?

Dr. McDaid: Since I took office I have indicated to Bord Fáilte on a number of occasions, as recently as this week in a letter, that it must vigorously pursue a policy of regionalisation. In other words, it should try to ensure that all regions of the country are treated equally and that there will be a regional spread outside Dublin. Bord Fáilte is pursuing this through the marketing areas we discussed earlier.

I agree with the Deputy that there is a problem with litter. On the streets of Dublin one can sometimes find oneself, within 50 metres of the pavement, in what can only be described as a human ashtray. Certainly, more could be done to tackle this problem.

Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.