T6. Mr McMurray asked the Minister for Communities whether, given that Athletics Northern Ireland is required to hold its Ulster and NI indoor championships in Leinster due to the lack of a facility in Northern Ireland, he and his Department have any plans to investigate whether such a facility could be developed in Northern Ireland. (AQT 416/22-27)

Although that matter has not come across my desk to date, I will be more than happy to get additional information or meet the Member to discuss it further. Whether people from Northern Ireland have to go to another jurisdiction or even to a town that is further away from them in order to compete or train, I do not think that that is acceptable. I want to make sure that we have the facilities for our sports here in Northern Ireland, and I am committed to doing what we can within the budget envelope that we have to make sure that we deliver in that way.

I thank the Minister for his response, and I will take him up on his offer to engage further.

I would be more than happy to do that. Perhaps the Member will get in contact with my private office so that we can get the arrangements made.