§ 4. Mr. Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford, South)What progress has been made in furthering collaborative disabled sports projects between young people from both communities. [64858]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. John McFall)Work with disabled people, primarily young people, is a priority for the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, which has trebled investment in that key target group over the past three years. That work crosses community boundaries.
§ Mr. SutcliffeI thank the Minister for that answer. Those events are well supported by all sections of the community. Anything that brings people together has to be welcomed; unfortunately, the charitable and voluntary sectors are now funding many of those events and there is a danger that some of them will not take place. Notwithstanding what the Minister has said about the Sports Council, will he ensure that local authorities and others try to keep those events going?
§ Mr. McFallI thank my hon. Friend for his question. He makes an important point. In Northern Ireland, the role of voluntary organisations is extremely important, particularly in relation to disabled sports. I have been encouraging the Sports Council for Northern Ireland to look at that matter. I think that he will welcome the points that I make.
Over past years, the council has increased its investment in sport for people with disabilities; that has included both financial support and technical guidance. In 1998, the council established and provided for an independent federation of organisations with an interest in disability sports known as Disability Sports (Northern Ireland). Therefore, the voluntary sector is being attended to. It is important that we encourage developments in those areas, particularly among the youth and across communities.
§ Rev. Martin Smyth (Belfast, South)Does the Minister agree that the divisions were not between the communities in so far as most of those with disabilities were going to the same schools, but were the result of separate sports provision for the blind, the deaf, paraplegics and those with learning disabilities? Will the 896 Minister accept the welcome that has been given to the new body which is bringing together representatives of those sports, of local authorities and of those with physical education specialities?
§ Mr. McFallThe hon. Gentleman makes an important point about cross-community sport. I mentioned previously a number of areas to which the Sports Council has been channelling resources and where facilities are available. Those include Northern Ireland Blind Sports, the Northern Ireland Paraplegic Association, the Ulster Deaf Sports Council and the Northern Ireland branch of the United Kingdom Sports Association for People with Learning Difficulties. But they will work towards and enhance provision only if it is cross-community, and everyone, irrespective of religion, race and gender is accommodated. That is an important point which I have discussed with representatives of the Sports Council and which I will ensure is emphasised.
§ Mr. John Bercow (Buckingham)Is the Minister satisfied that collaborative sports projects for disabled young people from both sides of the divide in Northern Ireland currently receive a proportionate share of national lottery proceeds?
§ Mr. McFallIf the hon. Gentleman knows Northern Ireland, he will know that the voluntary organisations comprise a large and important part of it. We have been encouraging such groups to apply for national lottery funds and for facilities through the new opportunities fund. More can be done in that regard. As the hon. Gentleman knows, many of those groups sometimes do not have access to the correct information. It is important that that is disseminated to them and that they have the expertise to fill in the forms. It is important that their awareness is heightened. I fully support the thrust of the hon. Gentleman's question and I shall promote his view.