Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 5

Written Answers. - Olympic Council of Ireland.

Eoin Ryan

Question:

33 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his views on the role of the Olympic Council of Ireland within Irish sport; and if he has satisfied himself with the state of relations between his Department and the council. [20516/98]

Eoin Ryan

Question:

51 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the efforts, if any, he has made since coming into office to establish and maintain good relations with the Olympic Council of Ireland. [20517/98]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 51 together.

The Olympic Council of Ireland plays a key role in the promotion of Irish sport and, in this context, my Department, the Sports Council and I have a genuine desire to develop good relationships with the OCI, as indeed with all those committed to pursuing the best interests of Irish sport.

I acknowledge the independence of the OCI, although I regret that the council has not considered itself free to participate in such key elements of the overall sports development strategy currently under way in my Department as the High Performance Advisory Committee of the Irish Sports Council, the development of the sports science-medical support network for high performance athletes and the sports anti-doping advisory committee.

Equally, I acknowledge the OCI's central role as the sole selector of Ireland's Olympic team. In this regard, I have made clear that selection for participation in the recently announced international carding scheme for players and athletes cannot be construed by athletes as an indication of their selection for Sydney 2000. Selection for participation at the Sydney Olympics is a matter for the National Olympic Council.

It is my view that the strategies currently being pursued within my Department will be of tremendous benefit to the whole sporting community. I look forward to the OCI playing as active a role as possible in progressing such developments into the 21st century.