Rowing Ireland has been the most progressive and successful sporting organisation during the past number of years in this country. We need only think of the glory Gary and Paul O'Donovan have brought to Skibbereen, west Cork and Ireland on many occasions in recent years. They, along with Jake, Shane, Mark and Sanita as well as other rowers throughout the country have had us standing on our feet in awe of their achievements.

Other countries are investing €1 million per boat if they want to win an Olympic gold medal. Ireland's aid to Rowing Ireland is currently €600,000 in total, which leaves families having to pay thousands of euro out of their own pockets to ensure their children, neighbours or friends can compete. The upcoming budget is an ideal opportunity to address this massive shortfall and to give these great sportspeople an opportunity to give 100% to their sport and not to be fundraising for it. Will the Government increase Rowing Ireland's budget this year?

There was a considerable increase in funding for sport in last year's budget. It was around 12% or 13%. I am not sure we will be able to do as well as that for next year but I am confident there will be a further increase. However, the decision on how that is allocated to individual national governing bodies is made by Sport Ireland and not by Government.