asked the Minister for Education the funds he intends to allocate for the training of potential competitors for the 1980 Olympic Games.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Olympic Games Competitors.
17.
This year I propose to give the Olympic Council of Ireland a grant of £40,000, which is an increase of £5,000 on the amount which the council were given in 1977, towards the cost of training of potential competitors for the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. The extent of financial assistance to the council in 1979 and 1980 will be decided at the appropriate time.
As this State has reached a very professional level in other countries would the Minister of State not agree that the contributions made by him should be raised considerably in view of the tremendous prestige international competitions have for the country?
I agree entirely and it is my concern to make the maximum amount possible available. What was given to the council last year represented a decrease of £5,000 on what the council got in 1976. I am increasing the figure this year by £5,000 and that can be taken as an indication of how concerned I am.