Mr. John Treacy:

We want to encourage Irish athletes to compete internationally. If one is in the top 15 or 16 in the world, one is a world class performer and needs to be supported so that one can live and reach the right competitions. If we do not have people at that level trying to make their way into the top ten or top three, we will never have anyone at the top. We must look after our athletes at international, developmental and junior levels so that they can make the transition. First time out, one can make the top 16. Second time out, one can make the top ten. Everyone is looking for one of those career opportunities. The Olympic Games only come around once every four years. A tennis player or a golfer gets four majors per year. One only gets a shot at the Olympics every four years. It is a high-risk investment in terms of getting medals in return, but these athletes have also won medals at European and world levels.