Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2016
414. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the rationale for the allocation of €2.175 million for the building of a centre (details supplied); her views on whether the allocation of funds represents good value for money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37715/16]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers is a project being promoted by a local authority. In July 2015, my Department received a formal request for a grant from the local authority in question. In February 2016, my Department offered a capital grant in principle to the local authority of up to €2 million as a contribution towards the cost of construction of the building. The offer is subject to the standard conditions that apply to all capital grants and these must be met in advance of payment of the grant. Under the provisions of the Public Spending Code, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the onus to ensure compliance with the Code, including obtaining value for money, falls in the first instance on the project promoter, in this case the local authority. I can assure the Deputy that my requirements of the Code before releasing any funding.
