Vol. 495 No. 7
652 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will recognise the game of bridge in the context of applications to the national lottery for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21790/98]
As I have indicated to the House, I have given priority this year to the preparation of legislation for a new Sports Council and a Bill on this subject was circulated last week. The Bill addresses a number of issues, including the creation of a new framework for the future execution of sports policy, including policy in relation to sports bodies. It is expected to have the Sports Council established on a statutory basis and operational in the coming year.
The intention is to have the matter of recognition of individual sports and recreational activities for national lottery funding, including bridge, revisited in the context of the new framework. I have met with the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland regarding the matter, and the association is aware of my general approach.
