Sir, - As the disagreement rages between the Minister for Sport and the Olympic Council of Ireland as to the future funding of Irish sport, the individual grants for 1997 have been announced.
Now termed Individual High Performance Grants, the amount available has been greatly increased, more juniors have been included than ever before and both of these initiatives are welcome.
However, one disturbing aspect is the continued funding of high earning athletes. As "an ordinary taxpayer", I find it hard to agree with athletes being grant aided who are in receipt of:
1: Massive appearance fees.
2: Substantial prize money.
3: Sports clothing and footwear sponsorships.
4: Other product endorsement fees.
5: Investment income based on previous high earnings.
Nobody will begrudge sports persons their earnings from sport, they deserve it, but what is the justification in granting taxpayers money to millionaires/ millionairesses?
When the British Sports Council distributes grants to elite athletes there is a means test applied based on income from sport, the high earners are excluded and the money is distributed to those sportspersons who are not on the "gravy train". This seems fair and equitable and surely we should follow that approach.
Through your columns, coule someone explain the rationale in granting state aid to those who do not need it, other than to enlarge their already burgeoning coffers? Yours etc.,
Blackhorse Ave.,
Dublin 7.