Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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480. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether he or Sport Ireland have extended funding to the Olympic Council of Ireland, OCI, since 2016; whether the OCI has requested funding from his Department or Sport Ireland since 2016; the purposes for which funding was given to the OCI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27558/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I have previously informed the House of the considerable progress that has been made by the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) in relation to improving its governance standards. This has involved, inter alia, the appointment of a new President and Executive Board in February 2017, a new Chief Executive Officer in April this year as well as confirmation in October 2017 that its relationship with the ticketing agency THG would be discontinued.

Taking account of this progressive improvement, I made the decision in September of last year to release outstanding 2016 funding of €150,000 to the OCI, which had been withheld following the emergence of governance issues during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. This decision was made on the condition that the OCI would continue their positive steps towards governance reform and addressing legacy issues. Subsequently, in December last year, I approved 2017 funding support of €300,000 to the OCI. The Board of Sport Ireland, through whom these payments are made, was satisfied that this funding was spent on athlete related activities and was in order for reimbursement.

In relation to 2018 funding, Sport Ireland has indicated that it expects to provide funding to the OCI, subject to the usual conditions applying. The level of funding would be determined by the Board of Sport Ireland. I have referred the question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.