asked the Minister for Education, arising from the IRFU's decision to tour South Africa in defiance of Government policy, if he will withdraw all subsidies to that body.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - IRFU South African Tour.
12.
I have already indicated to the IRFU that if the tour takes place no moneys will be paid to them in 1981 under my Department's scheme of grants to sporting organisations.
Is this a sanction which applies only to 1981 or does the Minister of State intend to strike the body off the list of organisations for subsequent years?
I commend the Deputy. He knows who will be in charge of sport in 1982.
Does the Minister intend to make this a sanction for one year only?
I have no such intention.
May I ask the Minister the amount of moneys involved in 1980 and the amount of moneys which would in the normal course be paid in 1981? Has he any idea at this stage?
The IRFU were not beneficiaries under the scheme to date. Last year they did make representations to me that they were anxious to develop the game of rugby in our schools. Naturally, I was very happy that they should do that and this year it was my intention to make certain moneys available to them for that purpose. However, in view of what happened they will not be getting any this year.
Could the Minister indicate what they might get at this stage in the event of his giving them money in 1981, in round terms?
The Deputy will appreciate that this is a very difficult question. I have indicated to him that I would have been hoping that the moneys would be — I do not like to speculate.
Can the Minister of State give any indication?
How many thousands?
Eight, nine, ten, depending upon the case that they would have made to us.
Have the IRFU made a formal application to the Minister of State for a sum of money, have they specified the sum and have they specified in detail how that money would be spent, or was it merely an exploratory inquiry?
Deputy Bruton would know, as he was Parliamentary Secretary, that the modus operandi for all these applications is a prescribed one. All hopeful beneficiaries under the scheme make their case. Invariably they exaggerate as to what their financial requirements are but, based on certain criteria, grants are made. This year the IRFU made such an application.
Was it a formal application?
Yes.