I propose to take Questions Nos. 1309 to 1311, inclusive, together.
The Sports Capital Programme (SCP) 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. Grants are available to sports clubs, voluntary and community groups involved in sports, national governing bodies of sport, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.
The Programme provides funding towards the purchase of equipment, including defibrillators and has assisted many clubs in the purchase of these items in the past. The programme does not however, fund projects where the equipment has already been purchased. If VAT is included on an invoice from a grantee and provided the grantee is not claiming this VAT back from the Revenue Commissioners, the SCP grant can be used towards paying the VAT.
While details of all allocations and payments under the SCP are available on the Department's website, the total amounts drawn down by clubs specifically for defibrillators is not readily available.