While I note the Deputy's statement regarding the Olympic status of bridge, I have been advised that although the World Bridge Federation is one of a number of international bodies which has been granted recognised body status by the International Olympic Committee, bridge is currently not recognised as a sport by the Olympic Council of Ireland or by the International Olympic Committee.
I have given priority this year to the preparation of legislation for a new sports council and I expect to circulate a Bill shortly on the subject. The Bill will address a number of issues relating to the future execution of sports policy, including policy in relation to sports bodies, and it is expected to have a national sports council established on a statutory basis, and operational, in the coming year. The intention is to have the matter of the recognition of individual sports and recreational activities, including bridge, revisited in the context of the new framework. I have met with various bodies regarding the matter and they know of my interest.
