Annual funding is provided by my Department to national governing bodies of sport catering specifically for women's sport as well as those governing bodies which provide for both men and women. In addition, funding is allocated to projects provided by the Irish Countrywomen's Association and in 1996 a grant of £100,000 was paid to Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael towards the provision of helmets.
The sports strategy report, Targeting Sporting Change in Ireland, dealt with the issue of women in sport in detail. A special committee of the Irish Sports Council is in the process of being established to address the range of issues relating to the role of women in sport, including participation, management, coaching, employment, sponsorship and the media.