Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I have a lot of interest in and information on those matters. We must not underestimate the fact that 85% to 90% of sports in Asia are corrupt. In addition, they are being corrupted by people who have no interest in sport. They are only interested in making money from sport through spread betting and Internet gambling, which is their core focus.

I am seeking an update on what the Irish Sports Council has been doing concerning the international carding system. Athletes must have access to the required support from the Olympic Council of Ireland. In 2005, our report made 19 recommendations and I would like to think that some of them have been acted upon. We have seen Ireland progress from a position where prior to the Athens games we had, to put it crudely, horses on the wrong grass. We also had Olympic swimming medals that were badly tarnished. We all want to see the maximum number of participants in sports. Next year will be a great opportunity to get more people interested in sporting pursuits, but they will be looking for role models. In 2005, I drew up a questionnaire for athletes asking a number of questions, and they replied that it was the first time their opinions had been sought. As regards future strategies, while sports associations and federations have a role they must be seen to represent people on the ground. The most important aspect is how athletes are treated both before, during and after international sporting events. They require such support.

The key questions I have for the Aire Stáit are whether we have we progressed, whether the 19 recommendations been implemented, and to ask him to outline the state of play less than a year from the 2012 Olympics. Will Ireland's athletes be properly supported? Will the games be fair so that our children can watch and aspire to be at the subsequent games?