asked the Minister for Education why the National Cycling Association got a grant of only £1,600 although they have a membership of over 1,000 and are spread over 24 counties in this country while the Irish Cycling Federation with a small membership spread over six counties got £2,750; and if he will now ensure that the NCA grant is increased to a figure that would be commensurate with the large membership.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - NCA Grant.
8.
The Irish Cycling Federation is the internationally recognised governing body representing cycling in this country and, as such, is regarded by my Department as the primary body for cycling to be assisted under the scheme of grants to sport.
From the information supplied to my Department by the organisations in questions, it is clear that the Irish Cycling Federation has a membership considerably greater than that of the National Cycling Association.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the membership of the NCA warrants more money? The second body are smaller in that their membership is confined to six counties while the other body is an international one. It is the one body that supplies the cyclists for Europe.
The Deputy's question is about the NCA, not the ICF. My information, and this was supplied to my Department, is that the ICF have a substantially larger membership than the NCA and that it operates not in six counties but in 13 counties.
From the information I have that is not correct. Would the Parliamentary Secretary investigate this further because my information is that what the Parliamentary Secretary has stated is not correct numberwise.
The Deputy is imparting information rather than seeking it.
It is no harm to give the correct information.
Somebody had better give it.
Unless the Parliamentary Secretary promises me to look into this matter, I will seek to raise it on the Adjournment. It is important.
I have given the information I have in relation to membership to the Deputy. Other factors are involved in the decision to make a grant to a particular organisation such as the number of coaching courses run by that organisation, the extent of their international recognition. In an Olympic year this is a matter of considerable significance. Perhaps more important still, in view of the public accountability involved, is the degree to which they liaise with the Department and keep the Department informed as to how public money is being spent. All of these factors are taken into account in addition to the issue of membership raised by the Deputy.
A final supplementary, Deputy. We are passing on to another question.
I am asking the Parliamentary Secretary to have a look at this case again. If he could give me details I will try to bring it further. The point is the international cyclists we have had on the Continent have come from the NCA, not from the other body.
The NCA, yes.
Yes, they are all NCA members cycling in Europe at the moment and——
Order. Ceist a naoi.
Do I get the information I want or do I have to raise it on the Adjournment?
I have indicated the various factors which are taken into account, which is an answer to the Deputy's question. I have noted, however, what he has said in relation to this matter and will bear it in mind.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary give me details?
Details of what?
Numbers.
I will write it out.
No, it will do to send it to me.
Is it membership the Deputy wants?
Yes.
One final supplementary, a Cheann Comhairle.
The chair will not be defied in this matter.
May I ask one final supplementary?
No, Deputy.
There is a national issue involved.
I have passed on to another question.