Football (Hansard, 13 February 2004)

§ Kate Hoey
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the money from the Soccer Strategy will be made available to the Irish Football Association. [154736]

§ Angela Smith
Money for the Soccer Strategy can be released to the Irish Football Association once the department is satisfied that the necessary Governance and Accountability arrangements have been agreed.

§ Kate Hoey
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met the Irish Football Association; and when he next plans to do so. [154737]

§ Angela Smith
There are on-going meetings with the Irish Football Association (IFA) at official level within the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure on a number of issues. The last of these took place on 12 February 2004. In addition, a DCAL working level group, which includes the Sports Council and IFA officials, meets to agree the details for taking forward the Soccer Strategy initiative. This group last met on 7 November 2003. The group will meet again in the very near future. I have also indicated my willingness to meet with the IFA after that meeting.

§ Kate Hoey
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to help improve Windsor Park. [154738]

§ Angela Smith
The future of Windsor Park is primarily a matter for the owners, Linfield Football Club, and the Irish Football Association, who use Windsor Park for Northern Ireland's home international fixtures under an agreement with Linfield FC. Both are considering their future facility needs as are the other main spectator sports and to assist them I have asked the Strategic Investment162W Board to commission the preparation of a business plan which will test the viability of the concept of a new purpose built multi-sport stadium. Discussions on Windsor Park must await the outcome of this work.

§ Kate Hoey
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to help pay for floodlight improvements at Windsor Park. [154739]

§ Angela Smith
Windsor Park is owned by Linfield Football Club and is used by the Irish Football Association as the venue for Northern Ireland's home international fixtures. To date I have not had any specific requests for funding for floodlighting improvements at Windsor Park. Any proposals for such improvements should first be discussed with the Sports Council, which has responsibility for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funds.