Vol. 1033 No. 6
68. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on new national initiatives to support Irish tourism over the coming decade; if she will outline her priorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8621/23]
Many different national initiatives could be used to support Irish tourism in the coming years. Those initiatives can be tailored to the unique strengths and opportunities of the industry. Will the Minister outline some new national initiatives that will be implemented to support Irish tourism over the next decade?
While we head into 2023 in a relatively strong position following last year's rebound in international visitors, I am conscious that there are immediate challenges facing our tourism industry. Notwithstanding this, we must continue to plan for further recovery in the sector and build for a sustainable future.
In budget 2023, I secured an additional €5 million allocation for the tourism agencies to continue the development of a new tourism initiative as provided for in the programme for Government. In keeping with the mission of my Department, this commitment provides an opportunity to support sustainable development in the diverse sectors under its remit and to enhance cultural and economic growth across Irish society.
Another area where I believe there is great opportunity for tourism potential into the future is through further development of on-island cross-Border tourism. My Department has had extensive engagement with the Department of the Taoiseach regarding shared island funding, with the result that €7.6 million was allocated for a new all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative, connecting the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way in the north west. This project will be developed and implemented over the next three years and will build on the international reputations of these two magnificent tourist routes.
With regard to longer-term tourism policy measures, there is a need to look beyond the challenges that have been presented by the Covid-19 crisis and the current cost-of-living issues to ensure a long-term shift towards a greener and more sustainable tourism environment. My Department has initiated the development of a new national tourism policy that will seek to mainstream sustainability. This will be informed by and will build upon the work already undertaken to further the sustainable tourism agenda and provides an opportunity to set out what type of tourism sector we want out to 2030 and beyond.
This new tourism policy will seek to support sustainable economic development in communities throughout the country, while protecting our environment and natural resources and with a greater spread of demand across the year. This policy commitment will provide the framework from which new tourism initiatives will be developed into the future. These new initiatives and future investment will continue to focus on delivering a compelling tourism experience but must do so in a manner that sustains Ireland's environmental and cultural capital while ensuring a safe, satisfying, accessible and fulfilling experience for visitors.
I thank the Minister for her response. The discussion around the development of sustainable tourism is important for the environment and the long-term health of the industry. Getting into the regions for long-term stays is also a priority. To support that, I echo the need for an ecotourism structure to be rolled out. There is also a need for the promotion of sustainable travel options and the implementation of measures to reduce the carbon footprint of the tourism industry.
We should also consider developing our offerings around food festivals and events, while creating food trails and tours throughout our regions. That is an important part of this. We need to enhance the visitor experience in this area.
What are we doing in respect of the promotion of health and wellness tourism? Is that something the Department is prioritising?
I absolutely agree with the Deputy. The new national policy to mainstream sustainability that is under development requires such joined-up thinking around sustainable travel. It also requires joined-up thinking across Departments. We need to include food tourists, as the Deputy said. That would make sense. We are trying to drive people out of the capital city and into the regions for longer stays. We need to work on what is available in those communities, including local food, festivals and artists. We need to work on sustainable travel on our greenways, blueways and waterways. We need to use everything we use on the global stage to promote Ireland.
The Deputy also asked about health, which goes hand in hand with all of those initiatives. As a result of the pandemic, there has been more of an emphasis on active travel, which is also a focus of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan. There is more emphasis on active travel and that is an example of where joined-up thinking will happen in respect of tourism policy.
I thank the Minister. I represent a rural constituency and rural tourism is an important issue for the sustainability of businesses and local employment. We need to enhance our promotion of the rural experience, while also supporting local businesses.
One issue relates to the CIÉ bus tours of Ireland website. Only two out of 17 scheduled tours of Ireland this summer will include my own home county, which is disappointing and concerning. We need to present better options for the likes of Westport. To also mention the Wild Atlantic Way, places such as Achill Island are very important.
On Tourism Ireland's announcement on its annual twinning initiative, which involves overseas marketing through the twinning of specific regions with specific areas within Ireland, is this something that can be reviewed with regard to what Achill Island has to offer on the back of its success in reaching the global stage through "The Banshees of Inisherin"? Perhaps that is something the Minister's Department could consider.
I thank and congratulate the Minister on her stance with regard to the retention of the 9% VAT rate. The hospitality sector in west Cork is very grateful for today's announcement that this rate is to be extended until at least the start of September. With regard to tourism strategy, and referring to something Deputy Dillon alluded to at the end of his contribution, we need a really well thought-out strategy with regard to movie and TV tourism. As we can see, more and more productions are shooting in Ireland. I imagine Mayo will be a pretty busy place over the coming months and years with the success of "The Banshees of Inisherin" and how well Achill Island was shown in that production but we need to give all parts of Ireland a bite of the cherry. I reiterate the call for the maps detailing the counties and areas that can avail of the regional uplift to be looked at again and for the likes of Cork and Clare to be included. That is very important.
A number of issues were raised. On the question of the two out of 17 routes, I will bring that matter to the attention of my officials. Perhaps it will engage with CIE Tours. I will also bring the question of Achill Island and the Tourism Ireland twinning initiative to my officials. We may get back to the Deputy on that. There are incredible opportunities for screen tourism given the spotlight "An Cailín Ciúin" and "The Banshees of Inisherin", which was shot on the beautiful west coast, have put on our country. As I have said to Deputy Dillon before - Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan has raised this issue as well - Tourism Ireland was very quick off the mark in capitalising on these productions. It released a video on Twitter a few months ago in which the actors spoke about the beautiful areas they got to film in. With regard to the regional uplift, I can come back to Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan in greater detail. I addressed the issue earlier with Deputy Ó Snodaigh. It is really a matter for the Minister for Finance. There is a new map. We are in negotiation with the Minister but, unfortunately, there is a map there already, as I mentioned to the Deputy last week. The Department has given Screen Ireland increased funding of €3.5 million to aid in the development of film production in the regions.
69. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán conas a thacófar le hathrú aeráide agus le hoiriúnú aeráide sna réigiúin Ghaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8501/23]
I have to mention that there is a Waterford film at the Oscars as well and not only one from Achill. Beidh a fhios ag an Aire Stáit go bhfuil dúshlán faoi leith do mhuintir na tuaithe, do mhuintir na Gaeltachta agus do mhuintir na n-oileán maidir lena gcuid astaíochtaí a laghdú. Conas a thacófar le hathrú aeráide agus le hoiriúnú aeráide sna réigiúin Ghaeltachta chun na deacrachtaí áirithe seo a leigheas?
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. Tá curtha in iúl ag Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil sé ag ullmhú plean gníomhaíochta don aeráid i láthair na huaire don Ghaeltacht trí chéile agus don eagraíocht féin. Is é an rud a bheidh i gceist leis an bplean seo, dár dteideal An Ghaeltacht Ghlas, ná gníomhaíochtaí a bhaineann le cúrsaí aeráide ó thaobh forbartha pobail sa Ghaeltacht, ó thaobh chliantchomhlachtaí an údaráis agus ó thaobh an údaráis féin mar eagraíocht.
Ó fógraíodh An Ghaeltacht Ghlas mar chuid de straitéis Údarás na Gaeltachta 2021-26, tuairiscítear go bhfuil dul chun cinn suntasach á dhéanamh. Tá tús curtha ag an údarás le forbairtí fótavoltacha pobail i nGaoth Dobhair, ar An gCeathrú Rua agus ar pháirceanna gnó na heagraíochta. Tá béim níos mó á cur in 2023 ar thacaíochtaí do chliantchomhlachtaí Gaeltachta chun céimeanna a thógáil ó thaobh cúrsaí fuinnimh in-athnuaite agus gníomhaíochtaí athraithe aeráide de. Tá ráite ag an údarás go leanfar freisin ag tacú le Calafort Ros an Mhíl i nGaeltacht na Gaillimhe a fhorbairt mar láthair straitéiseach chun freastal ar earnáil an fhuinnimh in-athnuaite amach ón gcósta. Aithníonn an t-údarás go bhféadfadh Calafort Ros an Mhíl a bheith ina acmhainn luachmhar don Stát agus foinsí fuinnimh in-athnuaite á bhforbairt san Atlantach ar bhonn eischósta.
Anuas air sin, tá athbhreithniú á dhéanamh ag an údarás ar a stoc maoine chun an stoc sin a thabhairt suas chun caighdeáin i dtaobh ghnóthaí fuinnimh agus chun pointí luchtaithe do charranna leictreacha á gcur in áit ar pháirceanna gnó de chuid na heagraíochta. Tá tograí bithéagsúlachta agus bitheacnamaíochta á mbeartú ag an údarás chomh maith i gcomhar le heagrais forbartha pobail i gceantair éagsúla Gaeltachta, in éindí le bheith rannpháirteach i dtograí éagsúla a bhaineann leis an gclár dar teideal LIFE de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh. Críochnóidh mé an freagra i gceann tamaillín.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. Aontaím go bhfuil deis ollmhór i gceantair Ghaeltachta ó thaobh fuinnimh in-athnuaite ach tá a fhios againn go léir go mbeidh an próiseas dícharbónaithe níos dúshlánaí ar cheantair áirithe. Ag féachaint ar na ceantair Ghaeltachta, mar gheall ar nádúr scaipthe na tithíochta atá ann, beidh dúshlán faoi leith ag baint le dícharbónú córas iompair. Tá dea-shampla againn i nGaeltacht na nDéise sa Local Link atá ann. Tá seirbhís beagnach gach uair an chloig ansin. Ar na hoileáin, is bac ollmhór atá ann ó thaobh an dícharbónaithe ná an costas breise a bhaineann le tithe ar na hoileáin a iarfheistiú. Bhí an Teachta Christopher O'Sullivan ann nuair a bhí muintir na n-oileán istigh linn san audiovisual room le déanaí. Tá costas breise ag baint leis an rud sin ar na hoileáin. Conas a rachaimid i ngleic leis an gcostas sin?
Is ar an údarás atá an fhreagracht maidir leis na ceisteanna sin. Tá an t-údarás i mbun athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar a chuid maoine chun caighdeáin éifeachtacha a chinntiú. Tá sé curtha in iúl ag an eagraíocht freisin go bhfuil sé ag ullmhú plean gníomhaíochta don aeráid i láthair na huaire don Ghaeltacht trí chéile, na hoileáin Ghaeltachta san áireamh, agus don eagraíocht féin. Is é an rud a bheidh i gceist leis an bplean seo, dár dteideal An Ghaeltacht Ghlas, mar a dúirt mé, ná gníomhaíochtaí a bhaineann le cúrsaí aeráide ó thaobh forbairtí pobail ar na hoileáin agus sna Gaeltachtaí ar fad agus ó thaobh chliantchomhlachtaí an údaráis.
Is cinnte go bhfuil ról faoi leith ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ó thaobh na ndúshlán seo ach ní féidir linn a bheith siloed laistigh de na Ranna éagsúla. Bheadh sé oiriúnach dúinn labhairt leis an Aire, an Teachta Eamon Ryan, agus a rá leis go bhfuil sé níos costasaí a leithéid d'iarfheistiú a dhéanamh ar na hoileáin agus go bhfuil sé níos dúshlánaí seirbhísí iompair phoiblí a chur ar fáil do mhuintir na Gaeltachta toisc go bhfuil an tithíocht atá ann scaipthe. Caithfimid níos mó infheistíochta a dhéanamh sna seirbhísí sin sna ceantair. Dúirt mé go bhfuil eiseamláir mhaith againn i nGaeltacht na nDéise. Caithfimid an sórt infheistíochta sin a dhéanamh i gCiarraí, i nGaillimh, i nDún na nGall agus i ngach uile áit a bhfuil Gaeltacht ann.
I would like to back up Deputy Ó Cathasaigh with regard to the experience on Cléire, especially with regard to housing. It is a big issue on Cape Clear and on all of our islands. We need innovative bespoke solutions for housing on the islands. A very innovative approach was used on the western islands of Scotland. It is referred to as gateway housing. It is essentially a type of social housing that gave people, perhaps young families, the opportunity to experience island life and to give them a taste of it so that they could find out whether it was for them. They then had the opportunity to rent or purchase on the island. It is a very innovative approach. It led to a repopulation of many of the western islands off Scotland. It is something we need to look at.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Ó Cathasaigh as an ábhar seo a ardú. Tá rud amháin a chaithfidh mé a rá. Nuair atá mise ag déileáil leis na hoileáin agus cúrsaí tithíochta sna hoileáin, tá sé dochreidte cé chomh dona is atá sé faoi láthair, ach go háirithe i dtéarmaí cúrsaí pleanála. Is minic a fheicim ar na hoileáin go ndeirtear linn nach bhfuil daoine in ann pleanáil a fháil mar nach bhfuil nasc acu leis an áit, cé go bhfuil siad ina gcónaí ann an t-am ar fad agus ag obair ann. Tá fadhb mhór againn. Ansin tá na tithe folmha atá ar na hoileáin mar go bhfuil daoine ina gcónaí thar lear. Is leo na tithe seo agus níl na daoine áitiúla in ann teacht ar thithíocht. Is fadhb atá i gcúrsaí tithíochta ar na hoileáin freisin.
Maidir leis an bplean dar teideal An Ghaeltacht Ghlas, beidh seans ag an údarás labhairt le gach Roinn a bhfuil suim aici san ábhar sin ach freisin leis an bpobal agus iad ag plé an phlean. Returning to Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan's question, housing policy on the islands is not just an issue specific to the Gaeltacht islands, but to the islands in general. Officials in the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media have recently had discussions with officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the wider issue of housing policy. I can update the Deputy on it later.
71. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way increased participation in women’s sport at local and community level will be advanced in the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8594/23]
109. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps her Department is taking to encourage the participation of females in sport. [8432/23]
I wish to ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way increased participation in women's sport at local and community level will be advanced in the coming years and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 109 together.
Addressing the participation of women and girls in sport and physical activity is an important element of national sports policy and is a core priority for me and the Minister. Along with Sport Ireland, we will continue to promote and encourage greater participation in sport by women and girls.
The Government has provided a current budget allocation of €89.7 million for Sport Ireland for 2023 that will enable the agency to continue to support the sport sector this year, including support for increased participation by women and girls.
The Women in Sport funding programme is an important support for sporting bodies in putting programmes in place to increase women's participation in their sports and to progress their strategic objectives for women in sport. Sport Ireland allocated €4 million under the programme for 2021-22 with 45 national governing bodies, NGBs, receiving funding under this investment. A further €265,000 was invested in the local sports partnerships under the programme.
Sport Ireland will open a new cycle of Women in Sport funding for NGBs in the second quarter of this year. The funding guidelines will continue to encourage NGBs to develop Women in Sport programmes and initiatives focused on the key areas outlined in Sport Ireland's policy on women in sport.
Sport Ireland launched its Women in Sport policy in 2019 and will continue to implement the actions and objectives in the policy over the coming years. The Women in Sport policy is aligned to the national sports policy and its aims in terms of active participation are to significantly reduce the active sport participation gradient between men and women and to reduce the dropout by young girls from physical activity and sport.
Sport Ireland is continuing to promote women's and girls' participation in sport through various campaigns, such as the recent "It's My Time" campaign and HER Outdoors week. A new campaign established to support, motivate and encourage more teenage girls to be active will be launched in March. The "HER Moves" campaign will be very visible in promoting sport and physical activity to girls.
I thank the Minister of State for his answer. When we encourage anyone to get involved in sport, we do so not simply for the competitive aspect of it, but we know there are lifelong benefits for the people who get involved. Of course, there are benefits beyond their sporting careers. There are the benefits to their clubs, which are central to their communities. It is critical that we invest in sport and it is every bit as critical that we invest in women in sport as much as we invest in men in sport. I have the honour of being a member of St. Michael's Rowing Club in Limerick and the even greater honour to have spent a number of years coaching a women's rowing crew who were successful on the water and in competition. One of the greatest things I ever did was to be involved with that crew. I never had to push them; they pushed me and it was a privilege.
Just before coming in here tonight, I spoke with one of the coaches to get a perspective of what the great challenge is. It was put to me that we need to focus on retention of girls in the 16- to 17-year-old age bracket.
When it comes to promoting inclusion of women in sport, we need to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. We have an inclusion of women in sport campaign, featuring many high-profile athletes. One of the athletes who has been front and centre of that campaign is a lady called Anaïs O'Donovan from west Cork. She is one of the best freestyle kayakers in the world. She just finished in the recent world championships, putting her in the top ten and what she can do on rapids is unbelievable. It is essentially gymnastics in a boat. I would encourage anyone to check out her Instagram or YouTube footage. However, because it is not an Olympic sport, she cannot access funding. Not only can she not access funding, she cannot get advice on how she can get funding. The world championships are coming up in Georgia this year and she is still uncertain as to whether she can compete. It would be a travesty if she could not go. I ask the Minister of State to do everything possible to help her out.
The Deputy raised the issue of Anaïs O'Donovan previously and I know that Sport Ireland is aware of her situation. I certainly will get back in contact with the agency on that case. It takes responsibility for managing that funding. Just to be clear, I do not think there is any discrimination there in terms of gender but it is related to the particular sport in which I understand she is world class. We wish her every success in that and we will certainly be back in touch with Sport Ireland about that.
The research on this is clear. The gender gap went completely during the Covid pandemic but it is back up. There is now a gender gap of 5% in women's participation in sport, which is a cause for concern for governing bodies. It is also a cause for concern for Government. At the top level of sports organisations, we are committed to ensuring that they have a minimum of 40% of each gender on their boards. Since we last discussed this in the Dáil, the IRFU has issued a clear statement that it will ensure it has 40% of women on its board, which is welcome. I spoke to some women rugby players who said it is important to make sure that happens and I am confident it will. Just after Christmas, the FAI also made positive statements but again this needs to happen. I look forward to the GAA making such a statement about its organisation. With the GAA the issue would be resolved, I expect, by the creation of a new organisation with the LGFA and camogie. The only difficulty I have is that it seems to be a long process. That is understandable because there is a lot to do in creating this new organisation but it is demanded by the grassroots players of all those sports and is an important priority for the Government.
I mentioned the challenge of retention of girls in sport, particularly those aged 16 and 17. The big part of this is supporting women to get involved in coaching. There is a dearth of women in coaching in all sports in Ireland. If we can tackle that, we can go a long way to addressing the challenge of retention. I am a lifelong member of St. Michael's Rowing Club and have coached there over the years. It had no women in it when I was a youngster but now more than 20 years later, the women's crews are the strongest crews in the club. They frequently show they are a match for their peers in the country and internationally. We have members like Sinéad Lynch who went to the Olympic Games. She is an inspiration to the boys and girls in the club and to all of us. It is not just rowing. When I was growing up, Sonia O'Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan were two heroes of mine.
They set the standard, but we can do much more now as a Government to encourage women's participation in sport. It is critical.
I was not insinuating or suggesting some type of gender bias.
I know.
I appreciate that the Minister of State will look into this, and I would appreciate it if every effort was made to get a positive response for Anaïs O'Donovan. She is a talented athlete with a great future ahead of her, but she needs support.
It is welcome that more people are not just participating in women's sport, but also supporting it, which is important. I saw that myself in Páirc Tailteann recently when there was a men's match and a women's match one after the other, with similar crowds. That would not have been the case previously.
I have a personal commitment to this through my family. I know someone who started at the highest levels of Gaelic football 30 years ago. There is a world of difference now in terms of women's participation in sport and how they are treated by organisations. The Government is acutely conscious – and the NGBs are being reminded constantly – that there is still more to do. We are here to help and encourage, but we are also here to tell the NGBs that they have to do more, particularly in terms of their boards, or else there will be significant funding cuts to them. If we get people on the boards, we hope that this greater diversity will lead to even more positive changes and better governance.
72. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 55 of 17 November 2022, if she will provide a further update on the status of a facility (details supplied); the interaction she has had with an organisation and Cork City FC in this regard; the status of the grant money allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8590/23]
My question is on the FAI centre of excellence in Glanmire. I am seeking an update on it. In 2016, I was a councillor involved in the Part 8 planning process for the centre. We were delighted when a funding stream for it was identified. Unfortunately, every time I drive past the field, I see a complete lack of progress on the project.
I thank the Deputy for his ongoing support and representations on the football centre of excellence for Munster in Glanmire. The work he has done as a councillor and in the Dáil has been important to the project.
The large scale sport infrastructure fund, LSSIF, was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, with at least €100 million made available over the period to 2027. The FAI, with the support of Cork County Council, of which the Deputy is a former member, submitted an application under the LSSIF for construction funding for phase 1 of the Munster Football Centre of Excellence in Glanmire. The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and included an allocation of €2,025,699 for the Glanmire project. Details of all of the projects are on the Department's website.
The grant for the Glanmire project was provisionally awarded to cover, among other matters, the development of grass pitches, floodlighting, an artificial pitch and dressing rooms. Advancing the project is a matter for the grantees - Cork County Council and the FAI - in the first instance. However, the Department has been engaging with all grantees in recent months as part of an ongoing review of, and following up on, all LSSIF projects. The FAI confirmed it is committed to developing the Munster Centre of Excellence and I understand that an extension to the planning permission for the project was approved by Cork County Council. Furthermore, the FAI has informed my Department that the organisation is continuing to engage with the relevant football stakeholders, including Cork City FC and the Munster Football Association, to agree how best to progress matters in view of current estimated costs and the financial projections associated with the project. I understand that the purpose of these discussions is to ensure delivery of phase 1 of the overall project in as timely a manner as possible.
From the Department's perspective and mine, the grant allocation is fully in place and I look forward to seeing the project advance further in the months ahead, to the Department writing the cheque and to the money being spent. It is there waiting for the FAI and Cork County Council. We will do what we can on our side to expedite matters.
I thank the Minister of State for his response. I do not want to go into the detail of any organisation's finances, but it is well documented and known that the FAI would have difficulty coming up with a funding stream to match the funding provided by the Government.
I believe this project was initially floated in 2016. Funding was approved in 2020. That is a significant period and planning permission has already been extended once. It cannot be extended a second time. My understanding is that there are two or two and a half years left in the existing planning permission. The clock is ticking, but there has been little progress in getting the project back on the road towards delivery.
The Minister of State outlined that this would not only be significant for Cork city, but also for Munster, schools soccer, the Cork Athletic Union League, the Cork Munster senior league and so on. Will the Minister of State intervene and attend a meeting with the FAI and other stakeholders in the coming months?
I would be more than happy to attend any meeting on this matter. The Government has allocated more than €2 million to this project, and that money is still there. I understand the issues the Deputy has raised and his commitment to the project. This weekend, I will be attending the President's Cup match in ladies soccer. I am sure I will bump into officials from the FAI at that. I am looking forward to the match. It is the first ever cup winner's cup in ladies soccer in the League of Ireland. I will raise this specific issue with League of Ireland officials, who I meet regularly anyway. I will outline the Deputy's concerns as well as the Government's commitment to the grant that we have awarded. I will engage in whatever way I can with the Deputy, the FAI and Cork County Council. This is an important project and will have great benefits for soccer in Munster.
I thank the Minister of State for committing to a meeting. I hope he will be able to arrange it in the coming months.
Regarding the LSSIF in general, the Minister of State mentioned that €100 million had been allocated in 2020. If he does not have the figures in response to my questions, he might provide them afterwards. Of the €100 million allocation, how much has been drawn down in the past two years or so? Will the Minister of State provide me with the details now or in the coming days?
What exactly was outlined for the Glanmire project initially? In phase 1, the amount was approximately €2 million. Does the Minister of State have the breakdown of the subsequent phases?
That the Minister of State has agreed to a meeting is welcome, but all of the stakeholders – the FAI, Cork City Council and the new owners – want to see the project progress. Even if it does not progress as initially envisaged, it is still a large development – three full-sized grass pitches, a full-sized astroturf pitch, smaller games areas, bespoke training areas for goalkeepers, a pavilion, a car park, etc. It was a large project. If it is not to be delivered as initially envisaged, we would appreciate the Minister of State meeting to try to get it back to some sort of scale.
I do not have to hand the figures on the percentage of the fund that has been drawn down, but I can think of one project in my constituency where part of it is almost complete.
Regarding phase 1, the original cost estimate was €3,858,473 and the Government awarded €2,025,699, so by any standard, the Government grant was a significant allocation towards the original cost estimates. I acknowledge that it is highly likely that costs have increased since then, but that grant is still available. The Deputy might contact my office, or I can get in touch with him, to set up a meeting. It is important that this project go ahead. Not only will it be of benefit to football in Cork and Munster more widely, but also to the community in Glanmire.
The Government – the Deputy is a Government Member – is committed to this project and we have given an award that represents a significant percentage of the cost. I will work with anyone to see how we can progress the project in other ways.
74. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an mbeidh aon athrú le déanamh ar na cuaillí ag na Pointí Grianghrafadóireachta ar Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin i mbliana; an athrófar an cuaille ‘Inis Mór’ go 'Árainn'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8619/23]
Is dócha go bhfuil an cheist seo soiléir ón méad atá inti. An bhfuil plean ann na comharthaí a athrú ó "Inis Mór" go "Árainn"?
Tá Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin ar cheann de na bealaí cósta sainithe is faide ar domhan, agus 2,600 ciliméadar ar fad inti. Téann sé síos an cósta thiar ó Leithinis Inis Eoghain sa tuaisceart go baile álainn Chionn tSáile, Contae Chorcaí, sa deisceart. Is earnáil eacnamaíoch ríthábhachtach í an turasóireacht go náisiúnta, agus cruthaíonn earnálacha an lóistín agus an fháilteachais an-chuid fostaíochta inár réigiúin.
Go hindíreach, tacaíonn turasóireacht le príomhearnálacha seirbhíse lena n-áirítear miondíol, iompar agus táirgeoirí bia. Is earnáil í freisin ina soláthraítear tairbhí suntasacha sóisialta agus pobail, go háirithe i bhfianaise gur fiontair beaga iad formhór na ngnólachtaí turasóireachta atá fite fuaite i bpobail áitiúla.
Nuair a luaitear Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin smaoiníonn daoine ar thírdhreacha iontacha, gníomhaíochta eachtraíochta agus oibreoirí turasóireachta fáilteacha agus tá sí i lár an aonaigh turasóireachta i margaí thar lear. Seoltar cuairteoirí feadh chósta Atlantach na hÉireann ar Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin chun na tírdhreacha éagsúla agus an cósta garbh a fheiceáil agus chun an t-eispéireas is fearr atá le tairiscint in iarthar na hÉireann a sholáthar dóibh.
Tá go leor pointí fionnachtana uirthi, a léirítear le comharthaí a bhfuil lógó agus logainmneacha Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin orthu. I measc an iliomad pointí fionnachtana, roghnaíodh 15 mar phointí fionnachtana aitheanta. Cruthaíonn na háiteanna seo íomhá chósta thiar iontach na hÉireann. In 2019, chuaigh Fáilte Éireann i dteagmháil le hOifig an Choimisinéara Teanga maidir le hathrú logainm phointe fionnachtana Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin ó "Inis Mór" go "Árainn" i roinnt áiteanna i gConamara agus ar na hOileáin Arann. Tuigim gur shocraigh Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga go n-athródh Fáilte Éireann an logainm ar phainéil Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin ag pointí fionnachtana aon áit ina ndearnadh tagairt do "Inis Mór" go "Árainn". Chuir Fáilte Eireann an obair seo i gcrích ar na painéil go déanach in 2019. Tuigim freisin gur aontaíodh le hOifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, mar gheall ar an gcostas suntasach a bhaineann le hathsholáthar an chuaille féin ar Árainn, nach n-athrófar é seo ach amháin nuair a bheadh gá le hobair shuntasach athnuachana nó cothabhála.
B’é an cheist ná an bhfuil an t-athrú sin chun tarlú i mbliana, fiú ar roinnt de na comharthaí. Tuigim an méid a tharla agus a raibh ráite ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga. Caithimid cuimhneamh go bhfuil go leor staire ag baint le logainmneacha agus go bhfuil tábhacht ollmhór ag baint leo. Sin an fáth gur ardaíodh an cheist seo liom agus leis an gCoimisinéir Teanga.
An bhfuil a fhios ag an Aire cé mhéad comhartha atá i gceist anseo? An athrófar cuid de na comharthaí sin i mbliana? Fiú más rud é nach bhfuil ach cúpla ceann ann, an bhfuil an próiseas chun tosnú i mbliana?
Mar a dúirt mé, ní mór a rá go bhfuil an Coimisinéir Teanga sásta leis an gcur chuige seo atá leagtha amach agam i mo fhreagra. Ach mar a tharlaíonn sé, tuigtear dom go mbeidh deis ag Fáilte Éireann an cuaille a hathrú laistigh den bhliain atá romhainn mar chuid den obair cothabhála atá idir lámha aige.
Beidh an obair ar bun i mbliana mar sin agus is rud maith é sin. Is féidir fáilte a chur roimhe sin. Mar a dúirt mé, tá tábhacht stairiúla ag baint le logainmneacha. Tá sé suimiúil do thurasóirí fiú é sin a thuiscint agus an t-eolas sin a bheith acu. Freisin, do dhaoine sa cheantar, léiríonn sé go bhfuil meas á thabhairt ar an nGaeltacht, ar Árainn agus ar na hoileáin nach iad. Is rud fíorthábhachtach é sin agus tá a fhios againn go raibh dualgas orthu é sin a dhéanamh. Is maith an rud é go mbeidh sé sin ag tarlú i mbliana agus tá súil agam an tAire agus an tAire Stáit a fheiceáil ar na hoileáin i mbliana. Tá súil agam an tAire Stáit, an Teachta O’Donovan, a fheiceáil ar na hoileáin Árainn, agus tá súil agam an tAire í féin a fheiceáil ann freisin.
Bhí mé ann anuraidh.
Iontach. Beidh sé ar ais i mbliana.
Beidh mé ar ais.
Tá mé ag tnúth leis agus táim cinnte go mbeidh níos mó turasóirí ag taisteal go dtí na hoileáin de bharr an scannáin "The Banshees of Inisherin". Nach raibh sé go hiontach a bheith ag éisteacht le cuid de na haisteoirí is fearr dár gcuid agus iad ag labhairt Gaeilge ar an chairpéad dearg an deireadh seachtaine seo caite? Mar a dúirt mé, beidh deis ag Fáilte Éireann é seo a dhéanamh laistigh den bhliain.
75. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps her Department is taking to address the rising energy costs faced by sports clubs across the country. [8572/23]
I wish to ask about supports required for our many sporting clubs and organisations across the country. The Minister of State will be aware that energy costs have huge implications for sporting clubs in Ireland because with the increased energy costs, there have been consequences for activities such as, for example, games played under lighting and ongoing energy cost maintenance. There has been a huge increase in this area. Does the Government have a plan to provide further supports? We heard this was an issue at the GAA annual congress that took place at the weekend. It is impacting major sporting organisations. I ask what supports the Government may provide in this regard.
As part of budget 2023, a funding package of €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 everybody could continue to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity over the winter months. In doing so, the Government acknowledged that increased energy costs are a major concern for sporting organisations and sporting facilities, particularly during the winter months when there is increased demand for indoor facilities with heating and lighting costs, as well as floodlit outdoor facilities such as playing areas, hurling walls and walking tracks, etc. Notwithstanding that all sporting activity has fully resumed, many sporting clubs and organisations continue to feel the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, not just in financial terms, but also with reduced membership and volunteer numbers. Reduced rates of participation in sport and physical activity will impact the physical and mental well-being of the nation, both in the short and long term, which is something we wish to avoid.
The sports energy support scheme, SESS, was launched by Sport Ireland in November 2022 to support sporting organisations with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport, for example, around increased indoor activity and the provision of outdoor flood lighting, with a particular emphasis on sports clubs with dedicated facilities. To date, €21 million has been allocated to support sporting organisations with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport. The funding is in the main being distributed through the national governing bodies of sport, in like manner to the suite of Covid-19 supports provided to the sports sector over the past two years. Officials from the Department are working with Sport Ireland to ensure the allocation of the remaining funding as soon as possible. It should also be noted that the Department strives to improve environmental performance through energy efficiency supports in its capital funding schemes. Currently, the sports capital and equipment programme, SCEP, funds a range of green measures, including modifications to sports facilities to reduce energy consumption and restricts funding for flood lighting to light-emitting diode, LED, floodlights. Under the most recent sports capital round opened in 2022, €15.4 million was allocated to 166 applications which featured green measures such as LED flood lighting, solar and photovoltaic, PV, panels.
I sincerely thank the Minister of State for the information provided. I also thank the Government for what has been done in this year's budget. It was very well received and the Minister of State referred to a point I was going to make about the dropping level of participation by many people when it comes to fundraising in club activities and volunteering activities. This is causing huge knock-on consequences for sporting clubs around the country. I hope that, post Covid-19, this will be addressed in the medium term as if not, there will be long-term complications for sporting organisations nationwide. Declining energy costs are not happening. While they have come down from the peak, it is a concern and I would argue that many energy companies in Ireland have the cheek to sponsor sporting clubs and organisations while not passing on the market price for electricity. The cheaper rates have not been passed on. Unfortunately, this is an ongoing, massive concern for clubs of a small and large scale. I ask that the Minister of State give this issue his full attention. I wish him success in his new role. I am sure he will play a blinder.
I thank the Deputy. I agree with him about volunteer numbers and participation rates. We are concerned about volunteer participation. The Government cannot mandate people to volunteer or make a law to make people volunteer but we can create the environment to ensure volunteers and clubs are supported in the best possible way. That can happen through the sports capital programme and through the types of energy supports made available as a crisis alleviation measure late last year when energy prices spiked and we acknowledged the struggles clubs had.
It makes it very difficult for clubs and organisations to survive. We know this. We saw some of the funding Sport Ireland provided before Christmas. For example, the GAA received €11.73 million while organisations such as the Irish Amateur Boxing Association received €171,500 and Athletics Ireland received €180,000. We also want long-term energy efficiency measures.
I appreciate and acknowledge this. It is an ongoing concern. I want to hammer home the point that Oireachtas Members should acknowledge and let the energy companies in this country know that we are aware there is not a fair price being charged for electricity. It is something we have to look at. Many people are suffering as a consequence. This is just one example. It is an important example because it affects communities rather than individual households. If the companies are paying hand over fist to sponsor organisations and then charging them eye-watering sums of money for their electricity bills, it says a lot about good sportsmanship and how they do their business. I am concerned about it. What is going on is wrong with the retail market price not being given to households, sporting organisations or businesses. I will say this much: I have never got so much in the ear from people than about this and they are right. I understand their frustration and concern. This will be an ongoing problem for the Department. I am glad about the resources that have been allocated but I hope we see more later in the year.
I am very glad Deputy O'Connor has added his voice to the pressure that is now on energy companies to reduce their prices. Energy prices went up in an understandable way because of the Russian war on Ukraine. The Government has responded to this through supports for sports organisations and for households. People should not forget that we have also introduced windfall measures through the European Union. That will take back some of the extraordinary profits being made by energy companies and producers and give them back to the people. Obviously what is more relevant to the people at the end of the day is that there is a lower price on their bills. How we can help people get lower prices is to upgrade their homes, in most cases, and in this case upgrade the sports facilities to see whether we can get a reduction in energy usage. Sports clubs are rising to this challenge through the sports capital programme, their own fundraising and other measures the Department has introduced.
78. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán conas atá sé i gceist aici cothromaíocht inscne agus cothromas a chaomhnú ar bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta i bhfianaise na moltaí reachtaíochta nua chun toghcháin don chomhlacht a athbhunú; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8500/23]
Baineann an cheist seo le toghcháin d’Údarás na Gaeltachta. Ba mhaith liom a fhiafraí den Aire Stáit conas atá sé i gceist aige cothromaíocht inscne agus cothromas a chaomhnú ar bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta i bhfianaise na moltaí reachtaíochta nua.
Faoi réir chinneadh an Rialtais roimh an Nollaig, aontaíodh gur próiseas toghcháin agus roghnúcháin a bheidh ann in áit an phróisis ainmniúcháin agus roghnúcháin atá i bhfeidhm faoi láthair mar a bhaineann sé leis an gcaoi a gceaptar bord Údarás na Gaeltachta. Faoin mBille um Údarás na Gaeltachta (Leasú), 2022, atá á bheartú, is bord de 16 duine in áit 12 a bheidh ann nuair atá saolré an chéad bhoird eile caite ag deireadh 2024. Faoin leasú reachtaíochta, in áit seachtar a bheith ainmnithe chuig an mbord ag na húdaráis áitiúla lena mbaineann cúrsaí, mar atá i bhfeidhm le deich mbliana anuas, toghfar deichniúr thar ceann na gceantar Gaeltachta agus ceapfar an seisear eile de thoradh comórtas poiblí. Ar nós mar atá i bhfeidhm faoi láthair, is í nó é an tAire a cheapfaidh cathaoirleach an bhoird.
Tá ceannteidil an Bhille seolta ag mo Roinn le gairid chuig Coiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge le haghaidh scrúdú réamhreachtach. Mar chuid den scrúdú sin, tá iarrtha agam ar an gcoiste scrúdú a dhéanamh ar bhearta chun cothromaíocht inscne iomchuí a bhaint amach sa phróiseas roghnúcháin nó toghcháin, i gcomhréir le beartas an Rialtais maidir le cothromaíocht inscne ar bhoird Stáit.
Maidir leis an mbord a bheidh i bhfeidhm idir seo agus tús 2025, d'fhógair mé le gairid go bhfuil seachtar den 12 duine a bheidh ar an mbord i ndeireadh báire ceaptha anois. Fágann sé seo go bhfuil córam ag an mbord reatha agus go bhfuil an eagraíocht in ann feidhmiú mar is gnáth. Is fir uilig iad siúd a d'ainmnigh na húdaráis áitiúla agus is mná iad an bheirt atá athcheaptha agam féin agus ag an Aire.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as an bhfreagra sin. Ceann de na fáthanna a raibh daoine i bpobal na Gaeilge diongbháilte go bhfillfí ar thoghcháin d’Údarás na Gaeltachta ná chun guth an phobail sin a chur i gcroílár an phróisis cinnteoireachta inár gceantair Ghaeltachta agus do mhuintir na Gaeilge ar fud na cruinne agus ar fud na tíre. Leis sin, ní mór dúinn a chinntiú nach díreach réigiún tíreolaíochta atá i gceist leis an ionadaíocht seo ach go mbeadh dearcthaí éagsúla le cloisteáil ar an mbord agus eispéireas éagsúil freisin. Ba chóir go mbeadh máithreacha, seanaithreacha agus seanmháithreacha laistigh den phróiseas sin agus go mbeadh dearcthaí éagsúla ann. Dúirt an tAire Stáit go mbeadh deichniúr tofa. An mbeidh aon chuóta inscne ag baint leis an deichniúr sin nó leis an seisear atá le ceapadh ag an Aire?
Cosúil leis na toghcháin áitiúla, toghcháin na Dála agus toghcháin na hEorpa, beidh cuóta inscne ar na páirtithe a ghlacfaidh páirt sa toghchán. Maidir leis an gcéad cheist a chur an Teachta, beidh an toghchán ar siúl in 2024. Maidir leis an méid a dúirt mé níos luaithe, tá duine den bheirt bhan atá ceaptha agam ceaptha mar chathaoirleach go dtí go mbeidh an chuid eile den bhord réidh le ceapadh tar éis an comórtas poiblí atá beo go dtí an 2 Márta. Faoin gcomórtas sin tá an deis ag an bpobal, idir mhná agus fir, a bheith san áireamh chun a bheith ceaptha ar an mbord. Tá súil agam go dtapóidh mná an deis agus an seans a bheith san áireamh chun a bheith ceaptha ar an mbord seo, agus, go deimhin, ar na boird a bheidh le ceapadh in am tráth nuair a thagann an reachtaíocht leasaithe i bhfeidhm.
Aithním go bhfuil jab deacair le déanamh ag an Aire Stáit. Caithfidh sé a chinntiú go mbeidh guthanna éagsúla ó na ceantair éagsúla ar an mbord, ní hamháin ón nGaeltacht ollmhór sin i gContae na Gaillimhe ach fós féin na Gaeltachtaí beaga cosúil le Gaeltacht na nDéise atá againn i bPort Láirge. Leis sin, caithfimid a chinntiú freisin go bhfuil guthanna éagsúla ann ó thaobh an experience atá ag daoine sa saol agus go mbeadh cothromaíocht inscne ann freisin. Dúirt an tAire Stáit go mbeidh cothromaíocht inscne ann ó thaobh na n-iarrthóirí. Aithním é sin agus cuirim fáilte roimhe. Mar a dúirt mé, ní jab éasca atá le déanamh ag an Aire Stáit chun an balance cuí a fháil sa toghchán seo.
Tapóidh mé an deis seo, mar Chathaoirleach ar Choiste na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus Phobal Labhartha na Gaeilge, chun a rá go bhfuil próiseas réamhreachtach ar siúl agus tá mé ag súil go dtabharfaidh an tAire Stáit tacaíocht dúinn sa mhéid atá á dhéanamh againn. I gceann cúpla seachtain beimid ag lorg aighneachtaí ón bpobal agus iad siúd a bhfuil spéis acu sna ceisteanna atá ardaithe ag an Teachta Ó Cathasaigh, sé sin, ceisteanna faoi inscne agus conas gur féidir linn déileáil leo sin ó thaobh na dtoghchán seo. Beidh sé deacair ach ní hamháin sin, tá ceisteanna eile gur chóir dúinn díriú isteach orthu sa chaoi gur féidir linn treoir nó smaointe a chur faoi bhráid na nAirí agus iad ag cur na reachtaíochta le chéile ina iomláine. Má tá daoine ag éisteacht leis an gcomhrá seo nó á léamh, tá súil agam go dtabharfaidh siad tacaíocht dúinn agus go gcuirfidh siad a dtuairimí os ár gcomhair sa chaoi gur féidir linn é seo a phlé. Tá sé i gceist ag an gcoiste déileáil leis seo chomh tapa agus is féidir in Aibreán sa chaoi go mbeidh an seans ag an Aire Stáit an reachtaíocht a rith agus sa chaoi go mbeidh an toghchán againn an bhliain seo chugainn.
Tá mé buíoch de na Teachtaí. Mar a dúirt mé cheana féin, beidh deis againn nuair atá mé ós comhair an choiste an rud sin a phlé. An rud is tábhachtaí ná go mbeadh na toghcháin ar siúl in 2024. Cuireann an Teachta Ó Cathasaigh ceist an-thábhachtach ós ár gcomhair anocht; is é sin cothromaíocht inscne a bheith an mbord. Beidh sé sin deacair, go deimhin, ach ba chóir dúinn go léir, sna páirtithe éagsúla sa Dáil, ár ndícheall a dhéanamh le déileáil leis an gceist sin agus ceisteanna faoi thaithí na ndaoine a mbeidh mar bhaill de bhord Údaráis na Gaeltachta freisin. Beimid in ann na ceisteanna sin a phlé sa choiste.
79. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when applications will be open for the sports capital programme 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8534/23]
84. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the new sports capital round has considered a protected pot of money for rapidly growing neighbourhoods, particularly in new areas where there is no strong network of clubs in place; and if the next round will soon be opened. [8394/23]
86. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the likely timeline for the next sports capital and equipment programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8531/23]
91. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which the awarding of further sports grants is anticipated in the coming year; the extent to which those who were beneficiaries in the past three years and found themselves unable to complete the works can be accommodated with a time extension or top-up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8522/23]
94. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the publication date of the review of the most recent round of the sports capital and equipment programme; when the next round of the sports capital and equipment programme will open to new applicants in Kerry and other counties; the budget that will be available for this programme; if she will provide a breakdown per county of allocations in the most recent round; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8620/23]
As the time for questions is almost up, I ask the Deputies to ask their question and the Minister of State will then reply. I call Deputy Dillon and then Deputy Durkan, who will have one minute each.
Last year, an allocation of €150 million was divided between clubs, schools, community groups, associations and sporting bodies all over the country. It was one of the biggest ever cash injections for grassroots sports in the history of the State and was very welcome. I understand a full review is taking place of the sports capital programme and it will be published shortly. When will the applications open for 2023-24? Last week, we learned of the closure of the immigrant investor programme to future applicants. This came as a hammer blow for many sporting organisations that would have sought to present an application for large-scale or medium-scale capital projects. There is certainly an appetite out there to get applications ready. I would appreciate an update on the review.
On the same lines, we should not underestimate the importance of the sports capital grants, major and minor, for the various clubs throughout the country, given the tremendous work they have done, and the tremendous enjoyment and participation in sports that have accrued from it.
I have two issues. Because of the difficulties with Covid in recent years, costs have gone up and estimates may now be a little stale in some cases. I ask that incentives be given, if possible, to clubs that were unable to close off their particular contracts over the past year or so, where a top-up might be of great assistance. I also ask the Minister of State to take into account the importance of ensuring that stresses arising from population demand and the demography of the area be taken into account, and also areas where there is scant investment in sports facilities.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 84, 86, 91 and 94 together.
I thank all Deputies who have raised this issue, and I know Sinn Féin tabled a question on this earlier. On the previous question, a Sinn Féin Deputy was looking for the scheme to be abolished, although, in fairness, he had other proposals so I am not going to entirely disrespect that. Nonetheless, we are not going to abolish it or change it. It is a great scheme. It gives funding to clubs that use it within communities, which is very important.
The review is basically complete and I intend to publish it shortly, and there was a meeting last week to finalise the review. Any recommendations from the review will be reflected in the next round. Officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, and the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and myself are engaging with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe. Once this process is concluded, as is normal with any capital spending of this nature, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted. With regard to the funding available to allocate, I will continue to engage with colleagues to maximise the total funding available for programming in the year ahead. Clearly, the level of demand is a key determinant but every effort will be made to fund as many worthwhile projects as possible while providing a sufficient level of grant to ensure projects are viable.
The issues of disadvantage, equality and participation, and the issues of population increase and lack of facilities in certain areas, are all important for the sports capital programme. In the previous programme, clubs in every constituency did very well, and it was not just the clubs that did well but also the communities they serve.
We are going to have a summer of strong interest in women's sport in particular. I hope and expect that will lead to an increase in female participation in sport, which is going to put pressure on facilities, and we have to rise to that challenge, as do NGBs and the clubs themselves. That will probably be a particularly important focus in the sports capital programme this year. We will let the Deputies know when we have made a final decision.
