Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
228. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports that are being given to the Irish teams in preparation for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60100/21]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, supports winter sport athletes through funding provided to the Snowsports Association of Ireland. The Snowsports Association of Ireland (SAI), formerly known as the Ski Association of Ireland, was formed in 1971 to promote the development and growth of the sport of skiing in Ireland and is affiliated to the International Governing Body of the sport, namely Federation Internationale De Ski (FIS). The Snowsports Association of Ireland is primarily responsible for the growth and development of cross-country skiing, biathlon, alpine skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
The Snowsports Association of Ireland plays a key role in supporting Irish athletes to qualify and participate in the Winter Olympic Games. In 2021 Sport Ireland provided €25,000 of High Performance funding to the Snowsports Association of Ireland.
Sport Ireland also provides services to a number of winter sport athletes through the Sport Ireland Institute. These athletes are provided access to the Sport Ireland Institute and may avail of services through the specialist providers there.
Sport Ireland is working closely with the Olympic Federation of Ireland who will lead Team Ireland at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Sport Ireland is currently reviewing proposals by the Olympic Federation of Ireland to assist with the costs associated with attendance at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games in 2022. This will be a matter for the Board of Sport Ireland to consider. It is unlikely that there will be any Irish representation at the Winter Paralympics.
Team Ireland will be also supported on-site at the 2022 Winter Games by the Sport Ireland Institute service providers.
