asked the Minister for Education the current position in regard to the application by the national executive council of the community games for grants totalling £116,000 from her Department.
144.
Written Answers. - Community Games Grants.
143.
asked the Minister for Education if she will allocate a grant of £116,000 to the national executive council of the community games to enable the continued involvement by and development of the movement in 1983; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
145.
asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the unique position and importance of the community games, she will arrange for a substantial increase in this year's financial assistance; and, if so, when it will be forthcoming.
146.
asked the Minister for Education if she will increase the grant payable by her Department for the community games; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 to 146, inclusive, together.
The National Community Games will receive financial assistance from my Department totalling approximately £43,500 in the current year. This amount comprises:—
(1) a grant of £22,500 to assist towards the organisation and administration of the games at a national level;
(2) a grant of £7,000 to assist with the employment of a development officer and
(3) an amount of approximately £14,000 in respect of the cost of employing a full-time general secretary.
It is not possible at present to increase the level of financial assistance to the National Community Games in view of the current constraints on State expenditure. However should any additional funds become available to me later this year I will sympathetically reconsider the level of grant aid to this operation.