Dáil Éireann - Volume 500 - 09 February, 1999

Written Answers - Sports Funding.

Mr. Allen Mr. Allen

68. Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he intends to terminate funding to Bord Lúthchleas Ógánach na hÉireann and the Irish Schools Athletic Association and instead fund those organisations through Bord Lúthchleas na hÉireann; and the principles he is applying in doing this. [3411/99]

Dr. McDaid Dr. McDaid

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid): Currently, funding to Bord Lúthchleas Ógánach na hÉireann is channelled through Bord Lúthchleas na hÉireann, BLE, while funding to the Irish Schools Athletic Association, ISAA, has been allocated separately to that organisation. I have stated that my policy in relation to the funding for athletics is to reach a situation quickly where development funds for the sport can be channelled through one administrative structure.

In December 1998, as an initial step in this process, I asked BLE, the ISAA and the other recognised governing body for athletics, the National Cultural and Athletic Association of Ireland, NACAI, to participate in a joint planning group to be chaired by the Director of the National Coaching and Training Centre to facilitate the preparation of an integrated application for funding towards the cost of organisational development, international competition and training and hosting of events in 1999.

135

While applications for funding for purposes other than those I have outlined will be accepted from the three organisations individually, I hope [135] that, by the year 2001, one administration budget can be provided for the athletics sector. I am heartened by recent public statements made by the respective organisations expressing a positive approach to unity.

Dáil Éireann 500 Written Answers Sports Funding.

Questions

19990209