Vol. 535 No. 4
257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his Department offered any assistance to athletes or their support groups participating in the Sydney Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12951/01]
The promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport and the achievement of excellence in competitive sport is a function of the Sports Council under the terms of the Irish Sports Council Act, 1999. The allocation of sports grants to the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Paralympic Council and national governing bodies and other support schemes in respect of athletes participating in the Sydney Olympics is an aspect to fulfilling this function.
