Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2019
569. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the drawdown of funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5570/19]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Given the substantial investments made under the programme, it is a requirement where grants or cumulative grants reach a certain threshold, that the State's investment is protected by way of deeds of covenant and charge against the grantee's property. This provides the Department with a guarantee that grant aided facilities will continue to be used for sporting purposes. The Office of the Chief State Solicitor acts on behalf of the Department to ensure that all legal requirements are completed.
It is a provision of the Standard Covenant between the Minister and the recipient of a Sports Capital Programme grant that the grantee will make a contribution towards the legal costs. The amount of this contribution depends on the nature and number of the legal documents required in each case. The level of cost contribution is set by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor.
