Vol. 457 No. 1
138 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education the percentage of available lottery funds allocated to sporting and recreational organisations; the criteria by which these moneys are allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15038/95]
The total national lottery funds allocated to my Department in 1995 in respect of sporting and recreational organisations amounted to £12.225 million which represents 14.3 per cent of total national lottery allocations. These funds, which are decided by Government in the context of the annual estimates process, are expended by the sport section of my Department through programmes of capital and current expenditure.
The criteria used for the allocation of funds for capital projects include the priority of the proposed improvementfacility in relation to the organisation's existing facilities; the organisation's ability to undertake the project in view of the amount of local funds available and the amount of grant aid proposed; the availability of other facilities in the area and the need to achieve an equitable geographical spread of funds.
In regard to current schemes, funding is allocated in accordance with the terms of the various schemes which are outlined in my Department's Annual Report for 1994Sport in Ireland a copy of which I am arranging to have sent to the Deputy. For example, grant-aid is given to national governing bodies of sport under a number of headings to assist with administration, coaching, the purchase of specialist equipment, assistance for outstanding sportspersons, attendance at international events, the hosting of such events and special projects aimed at increasing participation and-or raising standards of performance.
