Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departmental Funding.

Seán Haughey

Question:

72 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education if she will expedite the processing of grant applications made to her Department for the funding of athletes competing abroad on behalf of the Irish Amateur Fencing Federation in view of the fact that the delays are affecting their performance; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there were no delays in this regard when the applications were made directly to the Olympic Council of Ireland in the past; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10033/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

An application for funding in respect of competitions abroad to be attended by competitors from the Irish Amateur Fencing Federation was received in my Department on 20 March 1997. The applications cover ten events and the grant-aid requested by the Irish Amateur Fencing Federation amounts to £8,500.

These applications are currently being considered by my Department and a decision will be sent to the organisation in the near future.