Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 3

Written Answers. - Sports Funding.

Austin Deasy

Question:

68 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will provide the necessary finance to set up a golf academy, similar to that operated by the Swedish authorities, to assist our more promising young golfers attain their full potential. [11521/00]

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

The development and promotion of sport is primarily a matter for the particular governing body. In this case, the governing bodies concerned are the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies' Golfing Union and both organisations are supported by the Irish Sports Council on an annual basis towards the costs associated with the development and promotion of the sport.

In addition, the Team Ireland Golf Trust was set up last September to assist high performing young Irish golfers in the early stages of their golfing career. The trust is designed to provide financial and non-financial support to selected young golfers to help them qualify for tour cards and achieve success at international level. With an initial fund of £190,000 per annum for three years, including significant private sector contributions, the trust is administered by the Irish Sports Council.

The 18 young golfers who will benefit under the trust in 2000 were announced in January. Along with cash grants, non-financial support will be provided in the form of access to a range of sports science and medical services which are co-ordinated through the National Coaching and Training Centre in Limerick.

Proposals in relation to establishment of a golf academy would be a matter for the Irish Sports Council, who would have to take into account a range of factors including the current role of, and levels of assistance to, the respective golfing associations and Team Ireland Golf Trust.