Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 550: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding funding for athletes who are representing Ireland in canoeing; and if they will be given the maximum support in 2007. [9409/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Sports Council 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 provision in funding for the Irish Sports Council in the 2007 Estimates is €54.025 million, in comparison to just over €13 million in 2000.

The Sports Council provides funding to recognised National Governing Bodies (NGBs) including the Irish Canoe Union (ICU). NGBs are dealt with as autonomous organisations and grants are allocated under agreed funding conditions and with specific priorities in mind. The grant allocation process is run on an annual basis by the Sports Council, with NGBs submitting an application form covering their programmes for the coming year.

Since 1999, the ICU has received almost €4.5 million in funding from the Irish Sports Council with grants of €686,107 in 2007. Of the money allocated to the ICU in 2007, €345,000 was specifically targeted at high performance and €94,000 under the International Carding Scheme, which provides direct support in terms of grant-aid and indirect support in terms of sport science and medical backup to elite and top aspiring athletes.

Since 1998, the sport of canoeing has also received over €1million in funding under the national lottery-funded Sports Capital Programme administered by my Department. In November 2006, I also announced further funding for the provision of high-performance sports equipment for elite athletes. Of the eight grants announced, the ICU received an allocation of €56,146.