John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I am happy to place on record the high regard in which both I and my Government colleagues hold Special Olympics Ireland. The programmes which are implemented by the organisation for people with intellectual disabilities have a profoundly positive impact on families and communities. Since 1999, Special Olympics Ireland has received core funding of €4 million from the Irish Sports Council towards the costs of its activities, including almost €600,000 this year.

The Deputy will be aware that Special Olympics Ireland recently made a submission to the Government on the development and funding of the Special Olympics programme over the next three years. Subsequently, its representatives met with officials of my Department to elaborate on their submission, which is being given the fullest consideration in consultation with other Government Departments.

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