Vol. 520 No. 4
22 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the proposals, if any, he has to withdraw grant aid from any sporting organisation refusing to enter into meaningful negotiations to resolve the dispute over clothing to be worn by Irish track and field athletes at the Sydney Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15902/00]
23 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has received accreditation from the Olympic Council of Ireland to attend the Sydney Olympic Games in his official capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15903/00]
39 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the latest discussions he has had with the Olympic Council of Ireland and the Athletics Association of Ireland regarding the dispute over the clothing to be worn by Irish track and field athletes at the Olympic Games in Sydney; if he plans to take any further steps to ensure that the preparation of athletes is not disrupted by this dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15905/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 23 and 39 together.
As I have already stated on a number of occasions, and most recently in reply to a Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 1 June 2000, responsibility for the dispute regarding the clothing to be worn by Irish track and field athletes competing in the Sydney Olympic Games rests squarely with the Olympic Council of Ireland and the Athletics Association of Ireland, and only they can resolve it. Contacts are being maintained with both organisations in an effort to bring about a resolution. I am hopeful that both organisations will, in the best interests of our athletes and Irish sport, agree a way forward.
As no doubt Deputies will be aware, funding for the national governing bodies of sport and for the Olympic Council of Ireland is now solely the responsibility of the Irish Sports Council. Accordingly, the question of my withdrawing support from any such organisation does not arise.
I understand that accreditation for attendance at the Olympic Games is usually arranged on location at the time of the games. As I have not yet decided whether to attend the Sydney games, the question of accreditation does not arise.
I thank the Minister for that reply. I reiterate my personal support for his efforts to bring this matter to a conclusion. I was utterly appalled to read in a national newspaper that the President of the Olympic Council of Ireland stated—
A question, Deputy.
—that unless the Minister changed his attitude and saw reason, he would not be accredited to attend the Olympics in Sydney. Does the Minister consider it appalling that a member of a sporting organisation, albeit the president, would threaten the Minister in charge of sport in the State? Has he taken any action regarding that insult to democratic politics and to this House which was delivered by the President of the Olympic Council of Ireland? Has the State arrived at the position where tin gods can insult and threaten Ministers with impunity?
I appreciate the Deputy's support and indeed all the Deputies' support on this issue but the answer is no. I did not respond to what was said at that time and I do not think really that it is worthy of a response.
A degree of peace has broken out. I have always maintained that I tried to steer a line down the middle of this entire area and that is what I continue to try to do. I hope to get a resolution as soon as possible. However, I appreciate the Deputy's comments.
Would the Minister agree that it is hard to understand how two major organisations could enter into contractual agreements knowing full well that such agreements brought them into conflict at Atlanta in 1996? Would he again urge both organisations to reach some form of compromise in order that the good name of Irish sport and the well-being of the athletes who will represent Ireland abroad will not be tarnished again as it was in Atlanta?
The threats made to the Minister were despicable. I would urge him to attend the Sydney games as Minister – he is still of course Minister. If the President of the Olympic Council of Ireland does not accredit the Minister, it could be done by the international Olympic movement in Switzerland.
This issue will be addressed fully after the Olympic Games. That is my understanding from the correspondence my Department has received to date. Unfortunately, of the 200 countries attending the Olympics, Ireland is the only country in which the problem has not been resolved.
It is a sensitive issue. We must appreciate that Adidas and Asics, the two corporate sponsors involved, have been a tremendous asset to sport in Ireland down through the years. They signed contracts in good faith with both of these organisations and we want them to continue to support Irish sport. It is a delicate issue. I have maintained contact with all the relevant bodies concerned, including the sponsors, and I hope we will get a resolution to this intractable issue in the near future. I appreciate the Deputies' assistance in this issue. They may rest assured that as soon as I have word of any breakthrough, I will let both of them know immediately.
Would the Minister agree that the threat delivered by the President of the Olympic Council was diabolical in terms of the example it gave to the young people of Ireland, either regarding sport or democratic institutions?
As he stated in reply to Deputy Allen, the question of whether the Minister attends the Olympics is still an issue, but I would ask him to take account of that particular insult to this House, to democratic politics and to his office, as Minister, when it comes to considering whether that organisation will be entitled to funding in the future.
I am anxious to get to another question. If Deputy Allen wishes to ask a supplementary, the Minister may respond to both together.
After the Olympic Games will the Minister speak with the individual federations which make up the Olympic movement because this has been a cancer in sport for some time? As somebody who addressed the funding issue vis-à-vis the Olympic Council of Ireland and suffered because of it by different means, I ask him to look, in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council, at the future funding of the Olympic Council of Ireland once the Olympic Games are over.
Both questions concern the funding issue. I will not do anything which would disrupt the Sydney Olympic Games for the athletes or make any decisions on funding at this point. As I said, it is also a matter for the Irish Sports Council. The problem will be resolved in the aftermath of the games. The problem arises on this occasion from the failure to bring the two sides together to agree on a policy. The individual federations that make up the Olympic movement have always been funded by the State and will continue to be. The matter will be resolved after the Olympic Games and I see no reason it could not be resolved at this point.
I have received a letter from the Olympic Council of Ireland which states that the Olympic charter, during the Sydney games, is copperfastened and the national Olympic committee has sole authority to determine uniforms and clothing at all times during these games, including all sports competitions and ceremonies related thereto. It is just a matter of confirming, "Yes, we are right". I stress that the information in this letter came from the OCI. The AAI insists that the IAAF has the right to choose the gear. I have had no response to my correspondence with the IAAF so I must assume that organisation is in agreement. However, I appreciate the ongoing support of Deputies. A certain level of peace surrounds the issue at this time and following contacts with all the parties involved, I hope we will have a resolution soon.
Do I understand the Minister to say an agreement is in existence and that the athletes and we know what gear will be worn in Sydney?
No, that is not the case. Contacts have been made with all the participants, with both organisations, sponsors and others involved. It is hoped a resolution will be forthcoming but at present I do not know what gear will be used.
