Vol. 495 No. 7
645 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has satisfied himself with the carding scheme set up in 1998 by the Irish Sports Council; and if he has received submissions from national governing bodies regarding improvements in the scheme for 1999. [21189/98]
As the Deputy will be aware, the carding scheme benefits Ireland's high performance players/athletes and incorporates innovative features such as the development of sports specific performance related criteria, and the provision of a range of sports science and medical support services. As 1998 represents the scheme's first year of operation, a process of evaluation is in train to ensure the scheme's overall aims and effectiveness are maintained. In addition, the Irish Sports Council will shortly be meeting with a number of national governing bodies of sport to discuss aspects of the sports specific criteria to be agreed for the 1999 scheme.
