Vol. 495 No. 5
61 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will recognise bridge as a sport; if he has met with the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland; if so, the consideration he has given to the case which it made to him; the plans he has to introduce legislation or regulation on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20441/98]
I have given priority this year to the preparation of legislation for a new sports council and I expect to circulate a Bill this week on the subject. The Bill addresses a number of issues, including the creation of a new framework for the future execution of sports policy, including policy in relation to sports bodies. It is expected to have the 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 the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland regarding the matter, and the association is aware of my general approach.
