Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
1309. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is available to sports clubs seeking to install a defibrillator; the value of such funds; and the amount drawn down in each of the years 2016 to 2018 for same. [19490/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra1310. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if sports and recreation clubs seeking to install defibrillators within their facilities must pay VAT on these devices; and if there is funding available to offset this expense. [19491/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra1311. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is available to assist sports and recreation clubs that have fitted or are fitting defibrillator devices within their premises with the provision of training of volunteers in the use of the devices. [19492/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1309 to 1311, inclusive, together.
The Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Grants are available to sports clubs, voluntary and community groups involved in sports, national governing bodies of sport, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.
The Programme provides funding towards the purchase of equipment, including defibrillators and has assisted many clubs in the purchase of these items in the past. The programme does not however, fund projects where the equipment has already been purchased. If VAT is included on an invoice from a grantee and provided the grantee is not claiming this VAT back from the Revenue Commissioners, the SCP grant can be used towards paying the VAT.
While details of all allocations and payments under the SCP are available on the Department's website, the total amounts drawn down by clubs specifically for defibrillators is not readily available.
