Vol. 505 No. 6
235 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will make a statement with regard to the funding position for Swim Ireland; and the plans, if any, he has to make grant provision for competitive Irish swimmers. [14233/99]
My decision to suspend funding for Swim Ireland arises from very serious incidents in the past relating to the safety of children in sport. It has been my stated position that I cannot give consideration to the restoration of funding until I am satisfied that the wider membership of Swim Ireland has expressed its confidence in the new procedures and arrangements relating to the safety of younger members in the sport. Officials of my Department have been in recent contact with representatives of Swim Ireland with a view to clarifying the remaining outstanding issues so that I can start giving consideration to the possible restoration of funding to Swim Ireland and its high-performance swimmers as soon as possible.
