I propose to take Questions
Nos. 23 and 164 together.
The Irish Sports Council, which was established on a statutory basis from 1 July 1999, provides funding for a range of programmes to develop and enhance governing bodies of sport, their coaching, training and international competition activities. The National Coaching and Training Centre which also receives funding from the council, provides a range of high quality programmes in coaching and in scientific, physiological services for governing bodies, individual elite athletes, and other related services to elite competitors and squads.
Funding is also being provided by the Sports Council for the development of programmes to encourage and promote greater underage participation in the major field sports, soccer, rugby, gaelic football and hurling. Additionally, funding is being provided to encourage and promote greater participation by older people in recreational sport and activities.