The Department's role, functions and objectives are set out in its Statement of Strategy which can be accessed through the Department's website www.dast.gov.ie. The staff employed in the Department are engaged in the delivery of its objectives as set out in the Department’s Annual Business Plans which can also be accessed through the same website. The number of staff in the Department, including the National Archives, is currently 164. Of this number, the number of staff in the sports capital grants section of the Department is 14.
Over 7,400 projects, providing a range of essential sports facilities, have benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocation in that time to over €725 million. At this time an overhang of €175m in commitments is still to be drawn down. The staff in the sports capital unit are currently employed on the management of this drawdown of funding for projects in respect of which the entire grant allocation has not been drawn down. The management of each of these projects can be complex and time consuming to ensure that grantees comply with the conditions of the Programme in relation to tendering, tax clearance, legal and planning requirements.
In addition, staff in the Unit are involved in finalising a five-year strategic plan to inform the future development of necessary sporting facilities throughout the country. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment and grant assistance at national, regional and local level. The strategy will also identify the wider economic, health and social case for continued investment in sports facilities. It will aim to prioritise areas for future investment and to ensure continued impact on participation in the relevant areas including those in lower socio-economic groups. It will address future sports facility funding and provision and will inform decisions on future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the allocation of staff resources within the Department is kept under constant review to ensure efficiency and flexibility with a clear focus on the delivery of priority objectives and making the best use of such resources.