asked the Minister for Education if she has received a submission from the Primary Schools' League in County Offaly seeking a grant-in-aid for Cospóir to enable it to promote the work of the league during 1986; if she is aware that this league teaches the skills and playing of Gaelic games and athletics and is affiliated to Bord na nÓg of the GAA; and if she will outline the payment of this grant.
Written Answers. - Grant Payment.
72.
I have received representations on behalf of the Primary Schools' League in County Offaly in the matter of grant-in-aid. The position is that under my Department's scheme of assistance to sport, grants are paid to national governing bodies of sport. It is a matter for the national governing body of each sport to allocate, where appropriate, the grant between the various affiliated groups. Bórd Lúthchleas Gael na mBunscoileanna — the National Federation of County Primary School Leagues — receives an allocation from my Department's grant to the GAA under this scheme.
I am aware of the excellent work being done by the Primary Schools' League and other organisations within the GAA to teach the skills and playing of Gaelic games both in and out of school. My Department's acknowledgment of this excellent work is reflected in the grant of £53,000 paid to the GAA in 1985. Applications from national governing bodies of sport for grant-in-aid in 1986 will be considered by my Department in the near future.