Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 5

Written Answers. - Sports Capital Programme.

Jack Wall

Question:

273 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans he has for the allocation of national lottery funding to increase participation of students in sport at primary and secondary school levels through the provision of proper sporting facilities; if he will liaise with the Department of Education and Science to ensure that such facilities are placed where a decision is made for the development of a new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21653/00]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid):

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is primarily aimed at developing an integrated and planned approach to the development of sport and recreational facilities. Under the programme grants are allocated mainly to voluntary and community organisations to assist with the development of sporting and recreational facilities. However, applications under the programme are considered from schools which make joint applications with local sports clubs or community groups for funding for a facility. Any such facility must provide for significant levels of usage by the local community and demonstrate that the facilities will meet an identified deficiency in the locality, as agreed with other local groups and-or the local authority.

The Deputy will be aware that responsibility for the funding of primary and second level schools is the responsibility of the Minister for Education and Science. However, I will communicate to the Minister the Deputy's question for direct reply.