I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 41 together.
The provision in the revised Estimates for 2000 for my Department for the expenditure on sporting and recreational amenities and facilities, together with the budget for the Irish Sports Council, from the proceeds of the National Lottery and other sources is £51.478 million. This is made up as follows: sports capital programme grants – national lottery funded – £15.2 million; Croke Park development grant – national lottery funded – £6 million; grant for 50 metre swimming pool – Exchequer funded – £4.69 million, grants for the provision and renovation of swimming pools £15.18 million – Exchequer funded; and Irish Sports Council, £10,408 million. This figure, when compared to the 1999 expenditure of £39.331 million in respect of the same areas of expenditure, represents an increase of some 31%.
My Department has received more than 1,600 applications under the 2000 sports capital programme and these are currently being assessed. I intend to announce the 2000 round of allocations at the earliest possible date.
The statutory Irish Sports Council has direct responsibility, since 1 July 1999, for the allocation of grants to sports organisations, and any information on the distribution of funds to the organisations for non-capital expenditure can be obtained from the council.