Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 2

Written Answers. - Olympic Games.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

111 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the matters discussed and the conclusions reached at his meeting on 8 November 2000 with the Olympic Council of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26138/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will engage in any forward planning in respect of Ireland's participation in the next Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26191/00]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 114 together.

As Deputies will be aware, the Irish Sports Council is, at my request, undertaking a review of Ireland's preparation for and participation in the Sydney Olympics, with a view to identifying the lessons to be learnt in preparing for the next Olympics in 2004.

The purpose of the review is to examine, in depth, how Ireland went about preparing for, selecting and managing our national participation in Sydney, and, as I said, the lessons we can learn for Athens 2004. Accordingly, I called on all 28 national governing bodies of sport affiliated to the Olympic movement, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the National Coaching and Training Centre, and Sydney Olympic coaches and competitors, to contribute to the review on the basis of their expertise and experience of these and previous Olympics. I also met with representatives of the 11 national governing bodies of sport whose athletes competed at the Sydney Games, to impress especially on them the importance of any contribution they can make to the review.

I very much appreciate, of course, the commitment shown by the Olympic Council of Ireland to involvement and participation in the review. It was in this context, and in the light of the importance that I attach to the review and to the need for a wholehearted contribution from all the main parties involved in the preparation, selection and organisation of our Olympic team, that I met the President and officials of the Olympic Council of Ireland on 8 November last.

Our meeting provided an opportunity for an open and frank discussion on Sydney 2000 and issues which arose before, during and after the Sydney Games. I know that both the Olympic Council of Ireland and the Irish Sports Council will be following up on a number of the issues discussed, including suggestions for improvements, as part of the review process.

The review will, I hope, result in positive and constructive outcomes that will benefit future planning for Ireland's participation at the Olympic Games. I hope, too, that a more positive and supportive environment will result from these deliberations – a climate that will encourage and nurture our Irish participants, ensuring co-operation, and the sharing of goals among all the organisations and agencies involved with future Irish Olympic teams.

I look forward to receiving the council's report of the review before the end of January next in the belief that whatever comes out of it will become the foundation of a new and exciting era in Ireland's proud Olympic history.