Eamon Gilmore
Question:24 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the position regarding public funding for Swim Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7399/99]
Written Answers. - Sports Funding.
My decision to suspend funding for the swimming organisations arises, as the House will be aware, from very serious incidents in the recent past relating to the safety of children in the sport. I will not, therefore, be in a position to consider applications for funding from Swim Ireland until the new Swim Ireland executive has been appointed and the wider membership has expressed its satisfaction with the new procedures and arrangements relating to the safety of the younger members in the sport. The annual general meeting of Swim Ireland is scheduled for 24 April 1999 and I would encourage all members of the new body, constituent clubs, and affiliates to participate wholeheartedly in the preparations for, and the conduct of, the upcoming AGM to ensure that this objective is achieved and confidence in the organisation of the sport is restored. Once this is achieved, applications will be invited under the grant scheme for national governing bodies of sport and under the international carding scheme in respect of its high performance members.