Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 74: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the action the Government will take to recognise the achievements of the Irish cricket team in the world cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11772/07]

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

I would like to put on record my pride and delight at the outstanding performance of the Irish Team in qualifying for the Super Eight stage at the Cricket World Cup in the West Indies This is an unprecedented achievement for the Irish Cricket Team. Their impressive performances against Zimbabwe and in particular, Pakistan has deservedly earned them a place in the coveted Super Eight of the World Cup. Their success has played a major role in raising the profile of cricket in Ireland. I congratulate the manager Adrian Birell and his captain Trent Johnston and wish them every success for the Super Eight stage of the competition.

Since 1999, the Government has provided over €1 million in funding, through the Irish Sports Council (ISC), to the Irish Cricket Union which is the National Governing Body for cricket. Included in this figure is the sum of €17,000 allocated in 2005 for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Trophy, a qualifying tournament which was held in Ireland and through which the Irish team actually qualified for the World Cup at which they are currently excelling. Also included is €242,010 granted between 2006 and 2007 for the Cricket World Cup preparations.

Funding to cricket from the ISC has been complemented by funding from my Department for facilities and equipment under the Sports Capital Programme. Since 2000, funding has been provided under the programme towards the improvement of the facilities at cricket's venue for hosting international matches, the Clontarf Cricket Club, and for the establishment of the national Centre of Excellence for the sport, at North County Cricket Club in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.

In addition, in consultation with the ISC and the Irish Cricket Union, a special provision of €254,000 was made available to improve the facilities of a number of cricket clubs for the hosting of the ICC Trophy. In all, a total of €1.25 million has been allocated under the Sports Capital Programme in the period 2000-2006.

I look forward to continuing success for this outstanding Irish team in the major challenges facing them in the Super Eight stage of the World Cup and to an enduring legacy for the promotion and development of cricket in Ireland in the years to come. I intend to mark their historic achievement in a suitable manner at an appropriate time.