Billy Timmins
Ceist:34 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will make a statement regarding the decision to bid for the Special Olympics in the year 2003. [21491/97]
Written Answers. - Special Olympics.
Brendan McGahon
Ceist:45 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will make a statement regarding the decision to bid for the Special Olympics in the year 2003. [21492/97]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 34 and 45 together.
Special Olympics International, the official governing body for the Special Olympics, has indicated its interest in holding the Special Olympics World Summer Games outside the US for the first time in 2003.
A bid steering group was established by the previous Government to oversee the preparation of Ireland's bid to host those games. The group investigated thoroughly the possibility of Ireland meeting the Special Olympics International requirements in terms of sports facilities, accommodation, transportation and language services and concluded that it was feasible for Ireland to host the games in 2003. Its findings were considered by Government last month and grant assistance, up to a maximum of £5 million, was approved towards the cost of implementing the bid, should it be successful. The organisers expect to raise the balance of the £16 million bill for the games from sponsorship and fundraising. More than £1 million has already been secured and further substantial support from commercial interests will be a critical factor in securing the success of the project, in the event of the bid to hold the games in Ireland in 2003 succeeding.