The special adviser to the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Ms Cathy Herbert, has withdrawn from the Department's delegation going to the Olympics to allow the chief executive of the Irish Sports Council, Mr John Treacy, to attend. The decision follows a dispute between Dr McDaid and the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) over passes.
Dr McDaid had sought four accreditations for the Olympics from the OCI: one for himself, one for the Department secretary general, Ms Margaret Hayes, one for Ms Herbert, and one for Mr Treacy.
However, the OCI insisted it would only give the Minister accreditation for three people. It said this was in line with Olympic guidelines.
Dr McDaid said yesterday that if the OCI was not prepared to give Mr Treacy accreditation in his own right, he would bring only one of his officials to ensure the former Olympic silver medallist could attend.
Given that the Irish Sports Council had supported the Olympic team with £4 million this year, as well as funding the training camp in Sydney, Mr Treacy should have had his own invitation, Dr McDaid said.