Brendan Howlin
Question:83 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will give details of the financial support, if any, he will give Swim Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3445/99]
Written Answers - Swim Ireland.
Dick Spring
Question:86 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his views on the recent launch of Swim Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3444/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 86 together.
Swim Ireland was launched as a special annual general meeting of the former Irish Amateur Swimming Association, which was held on 24 January. The AGM was brought forward, at my request, so that the necessary restructuring of that association could be effected as quickly. I understand the meeting was a difficult one but I also realise that significant change could not be achieved without a full and frank review of past events. While this may have been a painful exercise for the association, it was important for the delegates to make their views known.
The outcome of the meeting was that the IASA be wound up and a new body – Swim Ireland – be put in place. The memorandum and articles of association for the new body have been passed and an interim executive is in place until the annual general meeting of the organisation, which is scheduled for 24 April.
In 1998, I approved a grant of £30,000 to the Irish Amateur Swimming Association solely for the purpose of bringing forward the AGM from April to January. This sum was a contribution towards the legal and administrative costs of bringing forward the AGM and the creation of a database of its members.
I will not be in a position to consider an application for funding from the new body until the new executive has been appointed in a democratic manner and until I am satisfied that procedures and arrangements relating to the safety of the younger members have been agreed by the wider membership. Accordingly, I encourage all members of the new body, constituent clubs, and affiliates to participate wholeheartedly in the preparation for, and the conduct of, the upcoming AGM to ensure this objective is achieved and confidence in the organisation of the sport is restored.