asked the Minister for Education whether funds will be made available from the national lottery to the National Amateur Karate Association of Ireland to support the attendance of members of the Irish Karate Union at the world championships in Japan, particularly as the team includes three European champions and a world silver medalist.
Written Answers. - National Lottery Allocation.
225.
Funding from my Department's allocation towards the cost of international competition is available only to recognised national governing bodies of sport. Applications for funding from individuals or teams attending international competition must be made through the national governing body of sport.
In the case of karate, the position regarding the recognition of a national governing body to represent karate is that a body entitled the National Amateur Association of Ireland was established recently by a number of karate organisations.
That body has been informed that, as an entirely exceptional matter, the National Amateur Karate Association of Ireland will be recognised as a national governing body for karate in Ireland, subject to:
(a) the holding of a special general meeting;
(b) the election of officers;
(c) the submission to the Department of an acceptable constitution.
The procedures adopted by the association in establishing itself, including the election of officers, have been examined and the constitution is, at present, the subject of correspondence between my Department and the association.
If the Department is satisfied that the association is properly constituted and sufficiently representative of the sport of karate in Ireland to warrant recognition as a national governing body for the activity such recognition will be given.
When such recognition has been granted, it will be open to other karate organisations to affiliate to the newly formed karate association should they so wish.
Until such time as full recognition is given to a national governing body for karate applications for funding for international competition cannot be considered.