Mr. Paul McDermott:

The first action was to guarantee funding for all of the athletes on the international carding scheme through to 2021 and up to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. That was an essential if we were to give them stability and the confidence that we would support them all the way up to the games. The initial phase of lockdown was difficult, but the Sport Ireland Institute remained open and operational, albeit at a virtual level. Services were provided virtually, with service providers continuing to engage with athletes and their coaches and supports. The institute reopened safely, but at the earliest opportunity. A number of athletes now use the facilities on the Sport Ireland campus on a regular basis, including the institute.

We work daily and weekly with the performance directors of the sports to ensure that their programmes are on track and their funding is secured. We give them as much clarity and security as we can to ensure that all of the athletes who are aiming for European, world, Olympic and Paralympic championships are provided for.

It is important that we acknowledge our excellent working relationship with the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland. Through a collaborative effort between the Sport Ireland Institute and the governing bodies, individual athletes have a large suite of supports available to them. I believe that 45 places in Tokyo have already been qualified for, as have a number on the Paralympics side.

The Deputy rightly acknowledges that the immediate locations of some athletes who are living away from the campus are not ideal. Notwithstanding that and other difficulties, every effort is being made.

I wish to acknowledge that, in all the Government’s roadmaps and various interventions around Covid-19, the needs of elite athletes have been recognised and, notwithstanding everything that is going on, we have seen some excellent performances at the European Under-23 Rowing Championships. The Ireland cricket team played England and won one of the matches. Where our athletes have been able to compete, they have done well. Notwithstanding the difficulties and various challenges that we are facing, the supports are there. All of our colleagues in the Sport Ireland Institute continue to provide supports. We pay tribute to the athletes and their coaches who have shown great resilience and determination and continue to train. When they have been given the opportunity to perform in limited circumstances, they have done so to an exceptionally high standard. We are doing well, generally speaking.