Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Sports Capital Programme.

Mary Wallace

Question:

324 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will review the sports grants procedures of his Department to provide small grants to an organisation (details supplied) in County Meath; his views on the fact that the relatively small amount of ?2,500 being sought from his Department would make a huge difference to the club concerned; if an official from his Department will meet the personnel from the club to see the way in which they can be assisted with their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22706/02]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The national lottery funded sports capital programme operated by my Department provides funding for voluntary, community and sports organisations for the provision of sport and recreational facilities. The programme, which is designed to assist in the provision of buildings and other sports facilities including items of permanent fixed equipment, is not intended to assist in the purchase of personal equipment such as racquets and badminton shuttles.

The statutory Irish Sports Council administers a range of programmes in support of national governing bodies of sport and local organisations in the promotion and development of sport, including the development of local sport. Should an officer of the club wish to discuss this matter with an official of the Department, my office would be happy to make the necessary arrangements.