Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
107. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if it is possible for a club (details supplied) in Limerick to apply for funding from Sport Ireland towards the provision of a games promotion officer similar to the situation that exists for Dublin clubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3327/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for clubs or individuals but channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs). There is no mechanism by which Sport Ireland can allocate funding to clubs outside of this process.
Sport Ireland allocates annual funding for the sport mentioned by the Deputy through its Field Sports Programme. The Field Sports Programme is broadly aimed at encouraging and creating more opportunities for young people to participate in field sports across Ireland. While Sport Ireland makes an overall Field Sport funding allocation to the NGB, decisions regarding the distribution of that funding across the various provinces and counties are a matter for the NGB in line with their priorities. This includes decisions on funding for the provision of games promotion officers.
The clubs mentioned by the Deputy should engage with their NGB in relation to funding for the provision of games promotion officers.
