Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 215: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received correspondence from a group (details supplied); his views on the contents; if he will give consideration to the requests of the group in the context of budget 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39750/06]

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 216: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will take steps to ensure that adequate funding is provided to Special Olympics Ireland, to enable it to address a projected shortfall and provide for growth and sustainability over the next five years, and to enable it to have adequate funding and resources to provide for the largest team of athletes and coaches to represent Ireland in the 2007 World Games in China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39866/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.

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 Departments.