Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the increase of over €36 million, which is much appreciated. I also welcome the increase of €17 million in the sports capital programme. I note that a target of 1,200 applications was set for 2016 but, to the end of May, only 471 were approved. Can the Minister elaborate on that?

Can the Minister confirm when applications for the sports capital grants will be open? I would like a pre-validated scheme to operate as too many sporting clubs are losing out on grants due to simple errors in their initial applications. This is a vital source of funding for many sporting organisations and it has been a great success in the past. When one fills in an application online, one does not know if it is valid or invalid. In County Louth, there are a large number of sporting clubs that depend solely on grants and they are all looking for some funding at the moment. Is there some way we can find out if there is a problem with an application before the closing date? This would give clubs another opportunity to submit their applications.