Rowing Ireland funding
Deputy Collins complained that world-class rowers, including the O'Donovan brothers, would miss an international event because Rowing Ireland was underfunded. The Chair noted it was not really promised legislation, and the Minister said he could not answer in detail but would ask a Minister of State to reply.
The O'Donovan brothers, Gary and Paul, together with other world-class rowers from the Skibbereen Rowing Club are among the greatest ambassadors that this country has ever had, but this summer these world-class rowers will miss one of three World Rowing Cup events due to the lack of funding for Rowing Ireland. Rowing Ireland is getting the same funding this year as it got in 2017, but it is now a senior rowing team of 11 world-class rowers and, as a result of this level of funding, it can only send a team to two of the three World Rowing Cup events this year. On 21 March, I asked the Taoiseach about this in the Dáil and subsequently wrote to him to seek funding for Gary and Paul O'Donovan to sell Ireland abroad. I have yet to get a reply to this request. It was appalling to read the headline in the Southern Star last week: "Funding shortage will force O'Donovan brothers to pay own way to World Cup II regatta". Why are we-----
Comment on this
It comes under the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Why have we turned our back on these world-class winners? Will this Government increase the funding to Rowing Ireland through Sport Ireland in order that it is not disadvantaged by not being fully funded?
Comment on this
While I know funding has been made available for elite athletes, I again cannot respond in detail to the question the Deputy has raised concerning Rowing Ireland. I will get the Minister of State, Deputy Griffin, to respond.