Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Select Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport

Estimates for Public Services 2016
Vote 31 - Transport, Tourism and Sport (Revised)

9:00 am

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is not stated here, but I have a memory of reading somewhere that the sports budget is to double to €300 million per annum. I do not know whether that is a memory or wishful thinking on my behalf, but I thought I read it somewhere. Is that part of an increased allocation that will come under the new sports capital programme? The Minister indicated that it will be the new year before the sports capital programme is rolled out. That could be part of 2017's figure.

I am straying off the Estimates, but in the light of a number of our world-class golfers deciding to opt out of going to Rio to represent Ireland at the Olympics, has the Minister a concern relating to the Zika virus in Brazil? We could have a situation where other athletes opt out, not just from the golfing fraternity, although certainly Katie Taylor is not going to opt out, judging by her tweet. On a serious note, is there a real and genuine concern on the part of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport that other athletes will be forced out? Has the Department had any contact or consultation with the authorities in Brazil or the authorities running the Olympics to ensure that the safety of our athletes travelling there is of paramount concern? Of course, it is not only athletes travelling, but also spectators and supporters. What level of engagement has the Department embarked on?

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