Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
338. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some Irish Olympic athletes have been forced to fundraise to supplement their training and participation in the games; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12649/21]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to fundraising activity recently publicised by Paralympics Ireland.
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including high performance sport and its funding allocations. It provides funding to Paralympics Ireland to support its administration and operational costs. Sport Ireland also provides High Performance Programme funding to Paralympics Ireland to support the delivery of its para programme, which supports Irish athletes in reaching finals and achieving medals at European Championships, World Championships, and the Paralympic Games.
In addition to the annual funding allocations, Sport Ireland has provided Paralympics Ireland with a package of funding for the Paralympic Games throughout the Tokyo cycle. Due to Covid-19 it is reasonable to anticipate that further costs will arise for Paralympic Ireland in 2021 recognising that additional protective measures are required for Team Ireland. These costs relate to the necessity for single room occupancy, private transportation, additional Covid-19 officers, and a PCR testing programme. In this regard, Sport Ireland will run an extensive funding process for high performance sport in 2021. This process will determine the immediate and confirmed costs to Paralympics Ireland, which are reasonable and beyond the funding previously provided to address Games costs. This commitment for further funding has been formally communicated to Paralympics Ireland
To enhance the capacity and capability of high performance programmes, Sport Ireland encourages National Governing Bodies including Paralympics Ireland to establish robust business plans which are underpinned by stable and diverse income streams. Paralympics Ireland have a clear target for sponsorship and fundraising income in 2021, which will supplement funding received through Sport Ireland.
Throughout the Tokyo cycle 2017-2020, and in year 1 of the Paris cycle which coincides with the rescheduled Paralympic Games 2021, Sport Ireland has provided €7,722,500 in funding to Paralympics Ireland. The table below details these funding streams and associated allocations.
