Vol. 502 No. 2
15 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the procedure in the allocation of the sports capital grants to ensure equality and fairness across the wider community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7301/99]
17 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has examined the applications for grant aid eligible for assistance from the proceeds of the national lottery; and if he will give favourable consideration to all projects in respect of which he has received new grant applications as well as existing projects. [7400/99]
107 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the time schedule associated with grant applications under the sports capital programme; when applicants will be advised of the success of their applications; when moneys will be available to be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7468/99]
108 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if special emphasis will be placed, in the context of allocation of national lottery funding, on the needs of the various communities and organisations which not only have sporting and recreational activities but social needs and obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7553/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 17, 107 and 108 together.
Following receipt of the report of the review group on the sports capital programme, I announced details of a new programme late last December, based on the review group's recommendations, incorporating revised guidelines, terms and conditions, streamlined application forms, etc. The deadline for receipt of applications under the new programme was 12 February last. Almost 1,900 applications were received by the closing date and these are being examined at present. Given the large number of applications received and the level of work involved in evaluating them, I do not expect to be in a position to make final announcements on the 1999 round of grant allocations for some time yet.
While all applications will be treated on their merits, special priority will be given to proposals for facilities in disadvantaged areas, in line with Government policy aimed at increasing participation in sport and recreation in these areas. Other factors such as equity in the spread of funding on a geographical basis and among different sports and community groups will also be taken into account in determining grant allocations. The detailed criteria to be applied in assessing applications are set out in the guidelines for the new programme which issued with the application forms.
