What assessment he has made of the potential for Northern Ireland to benefit from London's hosting the 2012 Olympics.

The Government are determined to maximise the opportunities available to Northern Ireland as a result of London's successful bid for the Olympics. We will aim to increase participation and performance in sport, and to leave a legacy for sport, tourism and the economy on the back of London's success.

Will my hon. Friend confirm his intention to encourage the whole of Northern Ireland—I stress, the whole of Northern Ireland—to take advantage of the opportunities that the 2012 games will offer? Will he describe the steps that he has taken so far to bring that about?

I certainly want to see the whole of Northern Ireland involved in support for the London Olympic games. So far, we have commissioned a report to explore the opportunities for Northern Ireland that will arise from London's successful bid. I want to see some events organised in Northern Ireland, and I want Northern Ireland to bid for training camps to support our athletes and those from other countries. I also want to see volunteers taking part, and to see excellence in competitors and a wider participation in sport, so that medals can come back from the London Olympics to Northern Ireland.

In answer to a question from my hon. Friend Mr. Robinson, the Minister for Sport and Tourism, Mr. Caborn stated:

"If Northern Ireland builds its planned national stadium, we will consider incorporating this venue as a location for the Olympic football competition."—[Hansard, 24 October 2005; Vol. 438, c. 67W.]

Will the Minister be a little more positive and give the House a commitment that Northern Ireland will get that event if the stadium is built, rather than simply being considered for it?

I can certainly reassure the hon. Lady that we want to see events taking place in Northern Ireland as part of the Olympics in 2012. We shall have to look at the economics involved in the stadium that we are planning, and we shall have to get sport buy-in. If the stadium is successful, and I very much hope it will be, I hope that we shall be able to attract sports from the Olympic games to participate there. We will do all that we can to ensure that we achieve that aim.