Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 6

Written Answers. - Developing Sporting Talent.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

89 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education the schemes in operation to provide financial assistance to individual sportsmen and women in order to allow them perfect their sport; if she will confirm that the International Olympic Committee has voted ballroom dancing as an olympic sport; and, if so, if she will consider applications from Irish ballroom dancers with olympic ambitions under any such schemes. [9798/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

There are currently three schemes operated to assist individual sport men and women in developing their sporting talent.

Atlanta Aid Scheme: this scheme was introduced in 1994 to assist potential Olympic medal winners to prepare for the forthcoming Olympic games.

Outstanding Sportspersons Scheme: the aim of this scheme is to provide special subventions to elite sportpersons to enable them to undertake training and competition at the highest level and to compete with distinction in international events.

Irish Golf Trust: the Irish Golf Trust was set up in 1991 to assist young Irish golfers in the transition from amateur to touring professional status.

In relation to the Deputy's question on ballroom dancing. I understand that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally recognised the International Dance Sports Federation as an International Organisation for a period of two years. However, I understand that the IOC does not have any immediate plans to include ballroom dancing in the Olympic Games. In order to obtain grant aid under the schemes operated by my Department to assist and develop sport an organisation must be recognised as an national governing body of sport by Cospóir, the National Sports Council and the Department of Education.