Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2023
306. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department continue to encourage participation in sports in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23973/23]
View answerI recognise the importance of sport and physical activity for the health and wellbeing of our society and the need to ensure that opportunities are in place to allow all members of society to participate in sport. Encouraging participation levels in sport is an important element of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027.
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including the promotion of sports participation. For 2023, the Government has provided a current budget allocation of €89.7 million for Sport Ireland which will enable the agency to continue to support the sport sector this year.
Sport Ireland engages with sporting organisations on an ongoing basis and is continuing to support the sector in its recovery and development post-pandemic. Significant Government funding of over €162 million has been provided since 2020 in Covid-19 funding support to help sports organisations to recover and grow post-pandemic, support our grassroots networks of clubs and local sports partnerships, and ensure that people of all ages and abilities return to sport and physical activity.
In addition, as part of Budget 2023, €35 million was made available to help alleviate the impact of increased energy costs for sports clubs and organisations with a view to ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity over the winter months.
Last week, Minister Catherine Martin and I announced the reopening of the application process for the Sports Energy Support Scheme with an extended eligibility period to the end of May. The re-opening of the Sports Energy Support Scheme demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to supporting our sports clubs and facilities across the country.
