Bernard Allen
Question:117 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the criteria used to define high performance sport and recreational sport. [3120/99]
Written Answers. - High Performance Sports.
Bernard Allen
Question:118 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the parameters used in deciding which sports are high performance sports and recreational sports. [3121/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
The term "high performance" is currently used, in particular, in the context of the International Carding Scheme, launched last year for player-athletes. Eligibility for participation in this scheme is determined in accordance with sports specific criteria, e.g. competition results, international rankings, etc., agreed with the individual governing bodies. These criteria will be published with the details of the 1999 carding scheme.
In the case of other funding to assist bodies in promoting participation in their respective sports, the Irish Sports Council, which considers all such applications, has regard to costs associated with the bodies' administration, coaching and development for their wider membership, including those participating for both competitive and recreational reasons. The council may also have regard to specific costs associated with proposed participation by members of sports bodies at international level, geared to obtaining improved international results, rankings, etc., which would come into the general area of high performance.