§ Kate HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances(a) Exchequer and (b) Lottery funding may be granted to prepare competitors in (i) hockey, (ii) athletics, (iii) cycling, (iv) swimming and (v) equestrianism to compete for Ireland against British teams or individuals at Olympic Games or World Championships. [109541]
§ Angela SmithNo Exchequer funding is allocated to help prepare competitors for specific international events. Exchequer funding is solely designed to provide for a range of general sports development needs.
The only Lottery funding designed to assist Northern Ireland's leading sportspeople to prepare for competition at international level is through the Sports Council's Talented Athlete' programmes.
All athletes granted Talented Athlete Lottery funding for Hockey, Swimming and Equestrianism, if selected for major international competition, would compete for Ireland. This is because the local provincial clubs are affiliated to All-Ireland Governing Bodies. However, those in receipt of Talented Athlete Funding, who compete in Athletics orCycling, given the make-up of their governing bodies may compete for either Ireland or Great Britain if selected for international competition.