Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the grants available to persons and organisations involved in the sport of racing pigeons; if this is classified as a sport here as it is in other EU countries; if this matter will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43148/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Sports Council (ISC) was set up as a statutory body in July 1999 with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. The Sports Council allocates funding to recognised National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport on an annual basis, following a detailed analysis of their application form.

Under the Irish Sports Council Act 1999, the ISC cannot provide financial assistance or otherwise to a body other than to a Governing body that satisfies its criteria for recognition as a sport. In order to gain eligibility, an organisation must meet the criteria that have been established by the Irish Sports Council as required under Section 8 (1) of the Irish Sports Council Act, 1999. I understand that no such application for recognition has been made to the Sports Council.