Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Martial Arts Commission.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

320 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has to grant official recognition for one representative body for martial arts in Ireland; if he will meet with the Irish Martial Arts Commission in order to complete negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12540/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

326 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has received a request for recognition of the Irish Martial Arts Commission; if so, when he will recognise the commission; the reason for the delay in recognising the commission which incorporates Bushido Martial Arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12912/99]

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

The executive chairman of the Irish Sports Council and his team are currently working with the martial arts sporting organisations with the objective of achieving an appropriate structure for the future development of martial arts in Ireland. The national coaching and training centre is facilitating the process through a joint planning group representative of the Irish Martial Arts Commission, the Irish Taekwondo Union and the Official National Amateur Karate Association of Ireland.

It is expected that, on successful completion of this process, the martial arts organisations will be in a position to prepare and submit a joint proposal to the Irish Sports Council seeking formal recognition for funding purposes within the context of the requirements for such recognition. Under the recently enacted Irish Sports Council legislation, responsibility for such matters comes within the council's statutory remit, including consideration of any application emerging from the process currently under way with the martial arts organisations.