asked the Minister for Finance if it has been decided or if it is possible for the proceeds of the National Lottery to be allocated to recreational and sporting facilities such as swimming pools, as there is no Department of State which currently gives direct grant aid for such facilities.
Written Answers. - National Lottery.
112.
The Government have decided that funds from the proposed National Lottery are to be allocated inter alia to recreational and sporting facilities. It should be noted that three Departments of State are at present engaged in the provision of financial assistance for sports organisations or for sporting and recreational facilities. The Department of the Environment operates a loan subsidy scheme for local authorities which provide local authority swimming pools or which provide financial assistance to voluntary or other organisations for the construction of swimming pools. The Department of Labour operates a grant scheme (i) for the construction of indoor recreational facilities other than swimming pools by organisations which wish to improve the recreational environment and (ii) for the improvement of their facilities by youth organisations. The Department of Education provides assistance for the general expenses of sports organisations and for miscellaneous sporting activities.