FIANNA FAIL'S commitment to provide greater funding for sport, leisure and recreation if returned to government was outlined in a discussion document published yesterday.

Taking the Lead - a Policy for Sport and Leisure makes provision for a Cabinet seat for the first time for sport under a new Government department catering for sport and tourism.

It also pledges more funding from the National Lottery for sport in addition to the appointment of a new, more streamlined Sports Council with access to the decision making process.

Fianna Fail also propose that a full time Sport and Leisure Officer be appointed to every local authority, creating a network of officials throughout the country to manage the sports and leisure sector.

Stressing the need for a partnership between public and private funding, the document draws attention to the need to revise planning and development laws. It says that in large housing developments, provision must be made for adequate sport and recreational facilities.

In the absence of Bertie Ahern, who was delayed on a return trip from India, the document was introduced by Mary O'Rourke. Other front bench members present included Dr Michael Woods, Ray Burke and Dr Rory O'Hanlon.

Acknowledging the role played by Liam Aylward, Fianna Fail's spokesman on sport, O'Rourke said that the decision to divorce sport from the Department of Education and give it a senior ministry was designed to attract more funding.

Aylward said that National Lottery funding for sport should be in line with the percentage originally intended but said that at this stage it would be unwise to put a precise figure on it.