John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I know the Bill is due for publication, but will the Minister indicate what autonomy the institute of sport will have? Returning to Deputy Mitchell's question on the Olympics this year, why is an institute of sport necessary if everything is hunky dory? It is important that the institute will have autonomy. Will it get its budget from the Sports Council or the Minister directly? In another sphere, we heard of a manager being appointed and selectors being imposed upon him. The question of autonomy is important. What indication can the Minister give at this stage on whether the institute will be autonomous? If it will have a board, who will appoint it and what bodies will be on it?

The Minister mentioned the National Coaching and Training Centre, which will be transformed into Coaching Ireland. What role will it have and what changes will be made to the NCTC as a result?

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