I propose to take Questions Nos. 774, 779 and 785 together.
The Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department and part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery, is the primary vehicle for Government support for the provision of sports facilities and equipment in this country.
No decision has been made of the timing on the next round of the Sports Capital Programme.
The total level of outstanding commitments on hand at the end of 2008 was just over €175m. It is anticipated that outstanding commitments on hand at the end of 2009 will be below €120m.
When provisional allocations are made under the Sports Capital Programme grantees must comply with all the terms and conditions of the Programme and have completed a substantial amount of progress on their project to facilitate the draw down of the grant within 15-18 months. However, the Department adopts a flexible approach and tries to give clubs every opportunity to draw down grants. Where delays are excessive, or the project has ceased, the Department seeks to withdraw allocations.