Mary Wallace
Question:89 Miss M. Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will do all in his power to ensure that the Special Olympics are held in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8479/97]
Written Answers. - Special Olympics Games.
I am happy to inform the Deputy that in June 1996, on my initiative, an interdepartmental working group was established to examine the feasibility of Ireland making a bid to host the Special Olympics World Games in 2003. The group was chaired by my office and comprised representatives from across Government Departments. Two representatives of Special Olympics Ireland worked with the group. Subsequently I reported back to Government with the group's report which recommended that a bid be made and I secured Government agreement to this course.
Following from this bid a steering group has been established to enable the bid to be prepared. I have arranged for this work to be carried on under the aegis of and with the full support of my office. I am also making a once off grant of £120,000 available to Special Olympics Ireland to further assist in the preparation of the bid.
I believe that the Deputy will appreciate from the foregoing that I have provided every practical support towards bringing about the hosting of the Special Olympics Games in Ireland. I reassure the Deputy of my absolute intention to ensure that the extensive progress which has been achieved to date is built upon and I look forward to the holding of the Special Olympics in this country in 2003.