§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to promote the development of amateur ice hockey in Northern Ireland. [171926]
§ Angela SmithSince 2001–02 a total of £4,150 has been provided, via the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, to the governing body for ice hockey in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Ice Hockey Association (NIIHA), to help it promote the development of both professional and amateur ice hockey in Northern Ireland. In addition, the Sports Council is providing ongoing advice and guidance to a range of organisations involved in the promotion and390W development of amateur ice hockey in Northern Ireland. These include individual clubs, local authorities, the NIIHA and the Northern Ireland Ice Hockey Federation.
§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Sports Council for Northern Ireland officially recognises any body governing ice hockey. [172079]
§ Angela SmithAt present the Sports Council for Northern Ireland officially recognises the Northern Ireland Ice Hockey Association (NIIHA) as the body governing ice hockey. I understand, however, that the NIIHA decided last year to reconstitute. Following this decision, the Sports Council entered into discussions with representatives of ice hockey in Northern Ireland in relation to the possibilities of official recognition for an alternative governing body for the sport. These discussions are still on-going and, until they are concluded, the Sports Council will continue to recognise NIIHA as the body governing ice hockey.