Liz McManus
Ceist:64 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps, if any, he has taken to allow Irish athletes prepare for the Sydney Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3456/99]
Written Answers - Olympic Games.
The selection of Irish athletes to compete in the Sydney Olympic Games is a matter for the Olympic Council of Ireland in consultation with the relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport. Funding has already been provided in 1998 to the Council specifically to assist with the costs of its preparations for participation by Ireland in the 2000 Olympics.
The Government's strategic plans for the development of high performance sport include the provision of substantial funding in 1998 and 1999 to the national governing bodies of sport to improve their operational and technical capabilities and assist with their international training and competition programmes which are aimed primarily at preparing teams to compete successfully at the highest level including the Olympic Games in Sydney. In addition, under the new international carding scheme launched in May 1998, many of Ireland's high performance players and athletes who have embarked on qualification for the Sydney Games have received individual grants to help meet any additional necessary international competition and training expenses.
The carding scheme also provides access to a full range of specified back up services which include sports science and medical support, career planning and counselling and training facilities. Funding in excess of £960,000 was allocated in 1998 in respect of individual grants under the scheme. Application forms and details of the 1999 scheme are due to issue to the national governing bodies of sport shortly.