Vol. 529 No. 2
52 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the policy directives he has given to the Irish Sports Council regarding withholding grant aid from sporting organisations which have clearly not established democratic structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2385/01]
Since the establishment of the Irish Sports Council on a statutory basis on 1 July 1999, I have not issued any directive in relation to the withholding of grants from any specific sporting organisation. The structures of any particular body are a matter, of course, for that body and its constituent members. Responsibility for the provision of grant assistance to sporting bodies and persons now rests with the Sports Council. Consequently, the establishment of criteria, terms and conditions, including conditions relating to the structure of any grant aided organisation, for the awarding of financial assistance is a matter for the council in accordance with the terms of the Irish Sports Council Act, 1999.
Does the Minister recall that when we discussed this issue on 16 November 2000, I asked him if he would agree to give a policy directive to statutory bodies to the effect that only democratic bodies would be dealt with in terms of finance? I do not ask the Minister to intervene in the ordinary day to day work of the Sports Council, but will he give a directive that grants will be paid only to organisations which are clearly and demonstrably democratic in their operations? Does he agree that the answer he gave to my question on 16 November 2000 indicated he would do that?
I confirm that I have given such a directive to the Sports Council. I met with the Olympic Council of Ireland and put this point to its president, Mr. Pat Hickey. I pointed out to him that I had reservations about the democracy of that organisation. He responded with his own ideas. I have clearly indicated to the Sports Council that if it is not satisfied that there is no democratic process in these organisations it should be bound to withdraw and withhold funding from them.
I thank the Minister for his reply. What he has done is an important step forward in terms of bringing order and harmony to the whole area of sport. However, where an organisation applies for a grant and it is not democratic at the time of applying, does the Minister con sider that the Sports Council should give it the opportunity to introduce democratic structures so that it could avail of funding? I am not seeking that the Olympic Movement be penalised but, if there is a difficulty with the democracy element, it should be addressed.
I agree with the Deputy. I am not pointing to any specific organisation but that was the organisation with which I met. The Sports Council has met with the other organisations. It was pointed out by the Olympic Council that some organisations have exactly the same structures as they do. I responded that they too have questions to answer regarding the democracy of how they are formed. I agree with everything the Deputy said. Making available grants is the only way the Minister has of ensuring the policies are carried out in a fair and meaningful manner.
