Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
77. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on an independent review of the sports capital programme with a view to creating additional guidelines or rules to ensure that funding under the programme is allocated in a more equitable manner (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17732/18]
View answerAfter every recent round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) a review was undertaken by the Sports Capital Programmes Division of my Department with a view to making recommendations on how to improve the process for future calls.
The review of the 2017 SCP is now complete and has been published on my Department's website at http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-2017-review/review-2017-sports-capital-programme.pdf. The 2017 Review highlights many positive aspects of the 2017 round of the programme including the simplified application process, the greater transparency in terms of how allocations were decided and the introduction of an appeals process for invalid applications. Areas requiring improvement are also identified however, in particular the need for greater clarity in the Department's own guide to making an application. The Review also suggests a number of measures aimed at further prioritising applications from disadvantaged areas and all proposals in this regard, including the Deputy's helpful suggestion, will be fully considered prior to the next round of the programme opening for applications.
Separately, a full Value For Money Review of the Sports Capital Programme is underway which is being led by the Department's Strategic Research and Analysis unit, with oversight from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Provisional findings from this Value For Money Review are expected later this year. A comprehensive Sports Policy paper is also being finalised and future rounds of the SCP will reflect that policy's relevant provisions.
