Thomas P. Broughan
Question:19 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the position in relation to Ireland's bid to host the Special Olympics in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20588/98]
Other Questions. - Special Olympics World Games.
Special Olympics International has yet to make a decision on the allocation of the 2003 Special Olympics Summer Games. In November 1997 the Government approved grant assistance, up to a maximum of £5 million, towards the cost of holding the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2003 in Ireland, should the bid to secure them be successful. However, Special Olympics International has now asked that Special Olympics Ireland also obtain a written statement from the Irish Government that half of the £5 million grant be converted into an unconditional guarantee of £2.5 million against potential financial loss by the 2003 games organising committee. The proposal is that prior to 2000, the guarantee would be replaced by a full guarantee of £5 million from a source acceptable to Special Olympics International and the £2.5 million restored to the grant to bring it back up to £5 million.
Because of the obvious change in the nature and scope of the Exchequer's exposure implied in this proposal, the potential impact of this requirement, particularly on the total funding package for the £16 million project, demands close consideration in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Finance. I hope to be able to confirm the Government's position on Special Olympics International's latest request before the end of the month.
Will the Minister agree this is an important sporting occasion and that it is imperative that any steps the Government can take to meet the required guarantees by Special Olympics International should be taken if at all possible? After the Tour de France this is the most significant sporting organisation to come to Ireland and the spin-off would be of tremendous benefit to us. Will the Minister agree we should leave no stone unturned in ensuring this event is held here? I would like to be kept informed of developments. This project was initiated by the former Tánaiste, Deputy Spring, and it would serve a useful purpose. I hope the Minister will do everything possible to ensure it comes to Ireland.
I agree with the Deputy that it will be the biggest sporting event anywhere in the world in 2003. The Government has been generous in allocating the £5 million sought. However, the request from Special Olympics International concerning the unconditional guarantee of £2.5 million was an afterthought. The Government will try to overcome this hiccup. While we have a good profile and have great exposure as a wonderful country and a wonderful people, we also want to be known as a people who care for those with a disability. This is an opportunity for us to show what they are capable of doing.
We will do everything possible to ensure the 2003 Special Olympics come to Ireland. There are a couple of legal complications that may have to come before the House which were not previously made known to us. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that the 2003 Special Olympics come to Ireland. I will keep the Deputy informed of developments.
As a Minister of State in the Government which initiated the bid for the Special Olympics I am concerned to learn that complications are arising. I was privileged to attend the last Special Olympics——
A question please, Deputy.
Will the Minister assure us that in the Special Olympics, an event which encompasses the principle of participation, every effort will be made to meet the requirements of Special Olympics International, in which the Kennedy family in the United States is involved? Will he inform us of any serious difficulties that may arise?
I would not like it to go out from the House that there are serious difficulties involving the Special Olympics. I appreciate the support from all sides of the House. There is a small matter concerning a guarantee which we have to deal with. We will do everything in our power to ensure the Special Olympics are brought here.