John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 434: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the submission from Special Olympics Ireland for funding over the next five years; his views on whether Special Olympics Ireland carries out an invaluable role; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 25% of current funding for Special Olympics Ireland comes from a trust fund which will end in 2007; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that Special Olympics Ireland require €3.3 million a year Government funding, in addition to its own fund-raising, to maintain and develop its programme over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39045/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I am happy to place on record the high regard in which both I and my Government colleagues hold Special Olympics Ireland. Since 1999, Special Olympics Ireland has received core funding of €4 million from the Irish Sports Council including almost €0.6 million this year.

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, they met with officials of my Department to elaborate on their submission which is being given the fullest consideration in consultation with other Government Departments.