WINTER OLYMPICS: John Treacy, chief executive of the Irish Sports Council (ISC), has said winter sports are not discriminated against in Ireland with regard to funding.

"We treat all sports the same whether they are winter or summer sports," Treacy said. "We have criteria for recognition and that's been published for one-and-a-half years. The fact is that we have had no application from any of the winter sports.

"Even if they do not fulfil the criteria laid down, they should still apply and we can evaluate the application. That is the process."

The ISC and the Minister for Sport, Dr McDaid, were criticised by Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey following Clifton Wrottesley's fourth place in the skeleton run at the Winter Olympics.

The Irish team received no State backing for their preparation or participation in Salt Lake City.