Written answers

Wednesday, 8 February 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Sports Funding

Photo of Kevin O'KeeffeKevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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67. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that medal hauls from other countries with similar populations are misleading because they do not take into account the significant levels of funding underpinning high performance programmes in those countries; his views on whether Ireland's medal targets at major events will remain aspirational unless there is a wider conversation on the need to fund elite programmes on a level with our competitors; if the Government is engaging on such matters with the national governing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5753/17]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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​I would agree with the Deputy that it is important when assessing medal performance at the major games to compare the underpinning investment in high performance sport in each country as the data suggests a link between performance outcomes and investment levels in high performance sport. 

In relation to the setting of medal targets, it should be noted that the medal targets established for Irish athletes competing at major events are not necessarily just aspirational; in fact, Ireland has generally met or exceeded its performance targets. For example, the target of achieving three podium results at the Olympic Games, which was identified after Athens 2004, was achieved in Beijing; exceeded in London; and marginally missed in Rio. From a Paralympic Games perspective, there is a history of exceeding the already ambitious targets set. In addition, insofar as the Rio Olympic Games outcome is concerned, it is pertinent to note that the number of top 10 and top 20 finishes was an improvement on London 2012.

I understand that Sport Ireland are in the process of finalising a review following the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games.  I look forward to considering any recommendations contained in that review.   

Future high performance planning, its funding and the role of National Governing Bodies were amongst the questions included for consideration in the National Sports Policy consultation document issued by my Department in November 2016.  In excess of 50 submissions have been received to date, including from the NGB sector, and these are now being examined with a view to completion of a new National Sports Policy Framework in mid 2017.

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