Vol. 451 No. 8
174 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education the conditions which have to be met by voluntary organisations seeking grant aid for the development of community halls and sports facilities; and the plans, if any, she has to simplify the process. [7578/95]
Grant assistance for sports facilities is provided by my Department under the major facilities scheme and under the recreational facilities scheme. All voluntary bodies are eligible to apply for grant aid under these schemes.
All organisations seeking grant assistance have to complete a standard application form which includes details of the project, information on site title, the cost of the project, the local funds available, the amount of grant sought, the proximity of other similar type facilities and the status of the project at the time of application. These details are required so that my Department can assess the applications received and select projects for grant aid.
When a grant has been allocated, further information and documentation in respect of the project is required before the grant can be paid. These requirements include evidence of planning permission, tax clearance certificates for the organisation and for the contractor, certification in respect of the works undertaken and/or the materials supplied.
The submission of such documentation is a relatively straightforward process and is the minimum required where the payment of Exchequer funds is involved. I do not propose to change these procedures.
