Sports Capital Programme Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (1264)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

1264. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in regard to the upcoming sports capital programme, I have been informed by a GAA club that this year the club would have to register for VAT on OSCAR; if he will advise on the position regarding clubs registering for VAT and applying for sports capital grants; if a club or other group will have to be registered for VAT in order to qualify to receive a sports capital grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45994/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring)

It is not a requirement that clubs and organisations wishing to register to use the online OSCAR system need to register for VAT.  The new online system does require however that all organisations have a Tax Registration Number from the Revenue Commissioners.  This number will be the unique identifier that organisations will use to log into the system in the future to make applications and draw down any grants.  

Sports clubs and organisations can be known by several different names (Irish and English versions of names, names based on the location of the club or even a nickname).  This can be problematic for the Department and confusing for organisations too.  Using a unique identifier for the organisation removes any doubt. 

 The Department has decided to use the Revenue Commissioners’ Tax Registration Number as the unique identifier for a number of reasons, including the fact that it is easy to obtain, is genuinely unique, and is required in order to obtain a tax clearance certificate (the latter which is required by the Department for all grantees).