Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 1

Other Questions. - National Lottery Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

20 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation whether new applications are likely to be required of groups who have heretofore received partial funding or no funding from the proceeds of the national lottery in view of the review undertaken within his Department in relation to this funding; if he intends to change the criteria for qualification for grant aid under this heading; whether any change of policy will reflect the ongoing needs of voluntary groups as determined by previous guidelines or criteria; if he will ensure that future disbursement of funds will have due regard for the ongoing and increased needs in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11310/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation when he expects to be in a position to disburse moneys from the proceeds of the national lottery following the review undertaken by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11544/98]

Dr. McDaid

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 112 together.

Earlier this year I announced that I was initiating a comprehensive review by my Department of the operation of the sports capital programme. Before work began on the review, I arranged for an examination of all applications on hands at 11 February 1998 in the context of the 1998 round of grant allocations. I also announced that no further applications would be accepted by my Department under the existing sports capital programme after 11 February 1998. Following this examination, the 1998 round of grant allocations, under the sports capital programme, was announced on 8 April 1998 when approximately £5 million was allocated to new projects. All applicants, successful and unsuccessful, have now been notified of the outcome.

All outstanding funding allocated under the programme, including funding allocated in the 1998 round, will be paid subject to the terms and conditions already attaching to the schemes being met.

The review of the programme will be carried out over the next few months. When the review is completed, which I expect to be towards the end of 1998, details of the new schemes will be widely publicised and it will then be open to clubs and organisations to apply for funding under the new schemes. New applications will have to be made in all cases.

The review of the sports capital programme is one of a number of measures I have asked my Department to take, in the context of delivering on the priorities set out in the Government's An Action Programme for the Millennium, in relation to all the areas for which I have responsibility. While I cannot pre-empt the outcome of the review, I assure the Deputy that one of the issues it will examine will be the way lottery funding can best be targeted at the needs of disadvantaged areas and voluntary groups in line with Government policy on recognising the value of sport and leisure in fostering a sense of community in even the most deprived areas. The new criteria for qualification for funding under the revised sports capital schemes are likely, therefore, to have a strong focus on such needs.

Mr. Allen

I acknowledge the difficulties facing the Minister in view of the overwhelming demand for grants. This time last year there were approximately 1,300 projects worth about £500 million, and grants applied for amounted to approximately £48 million. The Minister announced in February that he would launch a new scheme later in the year. Will the Minister fulfil commitments made by him and his party before the election that he would use a little imagination, as set out in the national plan for sport? Will he attempt to supplement Exchequer funding with private investment by way of tax covenants, tax breaks or rates remission as we have seen in the urban renewal and rural schemes? Does the Minister intend to offer incentives to the private sector to get involved in the development of facilities at national, regional and local level?

Dr. McDaid

My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Flood, will deal with that specific issue. We are pursuing that line with regard to offering incentives and bringing the private sector into line in co-operation with the public sector. For the Deputy's information, 1,423 applications were made and we gave out 235 grants totalling £4.95 million. The incentive in that document, with which I agree, is a good one which is being pursued by my colleague, Deputy Flood.

Mr. Allen

Will these incentives be incorporated in the next budget or Finance Bill? Will it happen that quickly?

Dr. McDaid

The matter has been discussed by the Cabinet subcommittee on social inclusion which meets on a monthly basis to deal with that area. I am prepared to listen to any suggestions the Deputy cares to bring forward.

Mr. Perry

Will the Minister consider ringfencing a portion of lottery funding in the area in which sales are generated? In the north west, approximately £50 million worth of sales is being generated by the lottery. Of the £212 million allocated, not one pound went to Sligo despite the fact that four to five major applications were submitted. The original concept of the lottery was to fund sport, and while we all welcome the opening of large centres throughout the country, even the smallest fund generates considerable wealth in remote areas. If that were matched with community initiatives, it would quadruple any grant that is allocated.

Mr. Rabbitte

Alternatively, bring back Ray MacSharry.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Before the Minister replies I will take a question from Deputy O'Shea.

Mr. O'Shea

I want the Minister to clarify a point. If an organisation was granted funding for a specific part of a development, which was completed by the time the funding was allocated, can money allocated before the closing date in February now be allocated to a further part of the same development?

Dr. McDaid

I forwarded to all Deputies a telephone number through which they can make inquiries. My understanding is that if funding was received for one stage of a particular development one would be entitled to continued funding. Perhaps the Deputy would get in touch with my Department, or I can get in touch with him regarding that matter, rather than take up the time of the House.

I am bringing forward a Sports Bill the objective of which will be to put sporting on a statutory basis. I would remind Deputy Allen that, at my behest, the Taoiseach said yesterday the Bill would be published in approximately four weeks. That would be our aim but I think it may take about eight weeks. When the Sports Bill is published those are issues I would be amenable to change. I have listened to reports on work already done by Deputy Allen in the whole area of sport. There should be a broad interest in this matter.

On the ring-fencing of national lottery funds to various counties, this is a matter which could be discussed but it is outside my remit. When I looked at the allocations on a per capita basis I found that County Sligo, thanks to the Deputy's predecessors, was in the top six of all grant allocations since l988. I was trying to level out the playing field a little better.

Mr. Perry

That was the swimming pool application.

Dr. McDaid

The No. 1 allocation belongs to the Deputy sitting beside Deputy Perry.