HC Deb 07 September 2004 vol 424 cc1138-9W
Kate Hoey

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the money will be released by the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure to pay for the improved floodlights at Windsor Park. [186409]

Angela Smith

To date the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has made no commitment to release money to pay for the improved floodlights at Windsor Park. However, money may be made available under the facilities component of the Soccer Strategy. This would be dependent on my being satisfied that the necessary changes in the governance of soccer have been implemented and that remaining issues, including the completion by the Irish Football Association (IFA) of a detailed audit of priority football facilities, are addressed in accordance with accountability requirements for public funds.

Kate Hoey

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on implementing the football strategy in Northern Ireland. [186410]

Angela Smith

Since the Irish Football Association's (IFA) decision on 6 April 2004 to accept the recommendations of the football strategy. I have set up a Sports Council led Implementation Group to oversee the implementation of the strategy in Northern Ireland. This Group has held a number of meetings and advertisements were recently placed in the press by the IFA for the appointment of two external members to the Association's new Executive Committee. Arrangements are also presently being made for the appointment of a new IFA Chief Executive. In addition to these, I have established a Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure led Monitoring Group to ensure that overall progress rem#ins consistent with the central aims of the football strategy. This Group held its first meeting on 23 July 2004.

Kate Hoey

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the floodlights at Windsor Park will be upgraded in time for Northern Ireland's first home World Cup matches. [186411]

Angela Smith

Responsibility for upgrading the floodlights at Windsor Park in time for Northern Ireland's first home World Cup matches rests with the governing body of Soccer in Northern Ireland, the Irish Football Association (IFA), and the owners of the stadium, Linfield FC. I understand that the IFA and Linfield FC are presently putting arrangements in place for the necessary upgrading work to be carried out within the given time constraints.