asked the Taoiseach whether the Government have any plans in relation to the promotion of athletics; and, if so, their nature.
7.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Promotion of Athletics.
6.
asked the Taoiseach if it is proposed to provide funds for the encouragement and development of athletics; and, if so, how much.
I propose, with your permission, Sir, to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
The Government have not formulated any plans in relation to the promotion of athletics as they consider that, in keeping with our amateur tradition, this is a matter best left to the athletic organisations. If, however, agreed proposals as to how the Government could further help the development of athletics should be submitted by these organisations, they will be carefully considered.
Concrete encouragement for athletics has been, and will continue to be, given by the Government. For instance, substantial grants have been made out of the Employment and Emergency Schemes Vote towards the cost of the Eamonn Ceannt Athletic Stadium in Sundrive Park, Dublin. The Department of Education make provision for physical education and sport in the National, Secondary and Vocational Schools' systems and it may be stated that a very high standard of performance is reached at the annual Schools and Colleges Athletic Championships.
In addition, it may be mentioned that the Department of Local Government is empowered to subsidise borrowing by sanitary authorities to provide swimming pools and to give grants for works of public amenity carried out by local authorities, local development associations, et cetera. Also, the Department of the Gaeltacht, under their scheme of grants for amenities in the Gaeltacht, have already assisted in the provision of a swimming pool, a handball alley, tennis courts and playing pitches.
In reference to the Taoiseach's statement that if agreed proposals are put forward by the organisations concerned they will receive consideration, is not the Taoiseach well aware that these groups and organisations do not agree at all among themselves? In view of the necessity for promoting athletics properly, will the Taoiseach not consider initiating proposals to bring these groups together to try to get them to agree?
I am well aware there are certain disagreements. These constitute a factor inhibiting the Government from taking a more positive policy in this respect. As to the possibility of promoting a measure of agreement between them, I understand that steps to that end have been taken.
Is the Taoiseach aware that there exists on the records of the House a statement by a former Minister of a previous Fianna Fáil Government to the effect that there was a provision in a Budget for some £25,000 to be allocated for the encouragement of athletics, particularly amongst very young people, and that this amount was cut out by the action of a subsequent inter-Party Government? If that be so, and if it be the case, then, that the Taoiseach's Party were committed to that kind of expenditure, would he not think that now, some years later, the time is opportune to do something about this?
I must say I welcome at once this change of attitude of the Labour Party but the position of the Government is that if we can get some measure of agreement which will permit of Government action, we are certainly prepared to consider what we can do.