Vol. 529 No. 2
78 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the policy directives he has given regarding withholding grant aid from sporting organisations which have clearly not established democratic structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2386/01]
Since the establishment of the Irish Sports Council on a statutory basis on 1 July 1999, I have not issued any directive in relation to the withholding of grants from any specific sporting organisation. The structures of any particular body are a matter, of course, for that body and its constituent members.
Responsibility for the provision of grant assistance to sporting bodies and persons now rests with the sports council. Consequently, the establishment of criteria, terms and conditions, including conditions relating to the structure of any grant aided organisation, for the awarding of financial assistance is a matter for the council in accordance with the terms of the Irish Sports Council Act, 1999.
