asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the urgent need for additional moneys to finance youth and sporting organisations, he will consider giving substantial increases in the 1977 grants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Youth Grants.
3.
Applications from youth organisations for grants-in-aid in 1977 are being examined in my Department at present and in that connection all relevant factors are being taken into consideration.
I expect to be in a position to announce this year's grants within the next week. The allocation of grants to the sports organisations was announced last week.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the grants made to sporting organisations this year are of no consequence in view of the impact inflation is having on their finances? Now that he is about to announce the grants for youth clubs and new development would the Parliamentary Secretary give serious consideration to awarding or making available substantial increases where youth development matters are concerned?
I do not accept that the grants in this area are of no account. The grants being made available in 1977 are an increase of 166 per cent over those made available in 1973. They are a 30 per cent increase, including the money being made available for the tartan tracks, on those made available last year. That is a very substantial and important factor in sports development in this country. The situation in relation to grants to youth organisations is under consideration and an announcement will be made on this matter in the very near future.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the term used by sporting clubs throughout the country at the moment regarding the grants is "hand-outs"? That to my mind is an indication that the grants are of no importance. How does the Parliamentary Secretary determine the amount of grants to the various sporting bodies?
I have never heard the term "hand-out" used in the pejorative sense, certainly not in the sense that the Deputy has used. I believe that what he has said is entirely wrong. This represents only part of the total work, which is designed to assist sporting organisations with coaching development and the organisation of competitions and various activities of that nature. The Department receive regularly data from the grant-aided organisations and this detailed information is investigated. It is only at the time of this concrete investigation that the money is obtained and allocations are made on an annual basis. It is not a hand-out in the pejorative sense used by the Deputy. These grants make a very essential contribution to the development of sport.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this year there is an international junior chess championship being played in this country and would he be prepared to make available finances for that competition, keeping in mind the importance of indoor sport for young people?
That is a separate question.
The Deputy is raising a special matter now.