Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
22. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if additional supports will be made available for sports clubs that support initiatives to open their facilities to persons with disabilities. [47528/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to a “Sport for All” approach aimed at ensuring that all persons have the opportunity to partake equally in sport and physical activity, regardless of age, social-economic status, disability, or membership of minorities.
In relation to the development and improvement of sports facilities, capital funding is provided by my Department for this purpose. In considering applications for funding, projects that increase active sport participation by people with a disability are prioritised, and universal design principles must be adhered to.
At the end of November 2021, I launched a new Sports Action Plan covering the period up to the end of 2023.The plan's emphasis is heavily orientated towards increasing inclusion, diversity and equality in sport, an emphasis that embraces and encompasses people with a disability.
€35m is being made available as part of Budget 2023 to help alleviate the impact of increased energy costs for sports clubs and organisations. This special fund will help clubs with the cost of floodlights, heating gyms and sports halls, as well as other energy costs. The framework for this assistance programme will be put in place in the coming weeks.
Dormant Accounts Funding is the principal mechanism used to fund targeted sports-related projects for disadvantaged communities and for people with disabilities. Funding for such projects now amounts to €12 million per annum, a record level that is more than twice the level that prevailed a number of years ago. Funding is available to support people with disabilities to become involved in sport and physical activity under a variety of programmes and initiatives that are aimed at reducing barriers to sports participation for people with a disability.
It is recognised and accepted that sports clubs are key agents in the delivery of the Government's Sport for All approach. A €2 million "Sport for All" Disability Supports Club Fund is accordingly included under this year's Dormant Accounts programme and enables affiliated sports clubs to apply for up to €5,000 to support the initiation or enhancement of disability specific initiatives within their clubs. Sport Ireland is currently assessing applications for this fund, with an announcement on successful applicants due before the end of the year.
