Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received a submission from Special Olympics Ireland to provide multi-annual funding to help it finance its activities in preparation for the World Games and its ongoing activities in view of the work and encouragement they have given to people with handicaps and their families; his views on whether this is a unique opportunity for the Government to support the current and planned work of the Special Olympics Ireland group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41348/06]

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. The programmes, which are implemented by the organisation for people with intellectual disabilities, have a profound 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. 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.