Vol. 497 No. 5
302 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps, if any, he will take to have bridge recognised as a sport; if his Department has received a submission from the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25351/98]
I have given priority this year to the preparation of legislation for a new Sports Council which, as the Deputy is aware, is currently under discussion in the House. The Bill addresses a number of issues, relating to 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 the recognition of individual sports and recreational activities, including bridge, revisited in the context of the new framework.
I have met with the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland and informed them of my general approach to the recognition of sports and recreational activities. My Department has been supplied with a submission prepared by the association, regarding the matter.
