Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason darts which is recognised as a sport in the UK and other European countries cannot receive designation here; his views that there should be parity of esteem with its treatment here as in other European countries; and the avenue of appeal open to the darts body to achieve recognition. [16842/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As outlined in my reply to the Deputy on 24 May 2011, the Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body responsible for the promotion, development and coordination of sport which includes statutory responsibility for the recognition of sporting organisations as National Governing Bodies of sport and allocation of funding to same. The ISC was established on a statutory basis on 1st July, 1999, and the functions of the Council are outlined in Section 6 of the Irish Sports Council Act 1999. This includes recognition, for purposes of funding or for any other reason, of any sporting or recreational activity, including dealing with sporting organisations and allocation of funding to same. Therefore this is a matter for the Irish Sports Council. I understand that the ISC has replied to the Deputy regarding this matter. Regarding the avenue of appeal, this is also a matter for the ISC. I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.