Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a brief question. Unfortunately, I must leave but Deputy O'Keeffe will let me know the answer. When does the Minister envisage that the sports capital programme will be announced this year?

I understand the large-scale capital programme is still open to applications. When will that be announced? Can the Minister tell us the criteria he will use to assess applications? There is no doubt that both schemes will be oversubscribed, as is always the case. Will the Minister give a commitment that local community groups will not be discommoded by the fact they are in a rural area? Heretofore there was greater emphasis on urban areas and more funding was allocated to larger urban areas because of their greater membership base. I want to ensure fairness is applied when the applications are being assessed.