Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
372 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the details of submissions, requests or proposals made to him in relation to the provision of financial support from public funds to amateur sports persons who have represented their country or county in high quality competition; the Government policy in relation to such requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26012/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Sports Council was set up as a statutory body in July 1999 with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. The provision in funding for the Irish Sports Council in the 2006 Estimates is €40.9 million, in comparison to just over €13 million in 2000. The Sports Council provides funding to recognised National Governing Bodies (NGBs) which are dealt with as autonomous organisations and grants are allocated under agreed funding conditions and with specific priorities in mind. The grant allocation process is run on an annual basis by the Sports Council, with NGBs submitting an application form covering their programmes for the coming year.
The Sports Council also administers the International Carding Scheme to support aspiring athletes and players. This scheme provides direct support in terms of grant-aid and indirect support in terms of sport science and medical backup to athletes. In 2006, Ireland's elite athletes and players received €1.92 million in grants under the International Carding Scheme. My Department has no role in the level of annual funding provided to individual national governing bodies of sport or to athletes and players under the International Carding Scheme.
However, the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) submitted proposals to me for a grant scheme for GAA players and I met with the GPA on 8th March, 2006 in this regard. I also met with the President of the GAA and officials on 16th May last in relation to this issue. At both of these meetings, I indicated that this issue is, in the first instance, a matter for the governance structures within the GAA itself, as the national governing body, to determine how best the important contribution of its own elite players should be recognised.
