Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am joined by my colleague Mr. Cian Ó Lionáin, assistant secretary general, with responsibility for sport and tourism. As committee members will be aware, the sports sector has been and continues to be severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout this time, Sport Ireland and the Department have been continually engaging with the sector, and we know sporting bodies and clubs have been severely hit in every aspect of their operations, not least financially.

Last year, the Government approved a Covid-19 package of €88.5 million that helped ensure our sporting bodies were in a position to maintain operations, avoid insolvency and prepare for a return to activity. The package benefited all levels of the sports sector, including thousands of grassroots clubs across the country, and provided some certainty for sporting organisations in their planning for this year. In terms of sports clubs, the 2020 funding provided support for more than 166 rugby clubs, more than 400 grassroots and League of Ireland clubs, along with more than 33,000 Gaelic games teams. In addition, support was provided to 1,637 clubs throughout the country as part of small grant schemes operated by local sports partnerships, and 310 swimming pools were supported in reopening.

The financial impact of the pandemic continues to be a challenge for many sporting bodies and clubs, with losses and additional costs putting a severe strain on their finances. Many organisations and clubs have lost significant amounts of revenue owing to the restrictions put in place for much of this year. The indoor sports sector has been particularly hit, with indoor sports only resuming in October. Many challenges still lie ahead for sports organisations and clubs in encouraging all members and volunteers to return, as well as attracting new participants. We need to support participation programmes and initiatives now to ensure the long-term sustainability of clubs' structures and for the health and well-being of the nation.

The Government has approved a Supplementary Estimate of €35 million towards a Covid package of up to €65 million this year, and the rest will be provided from savings from within the Department's Vote. This funding will allow Sport Ireland, through a number of different schemes, to assist sporting bodies and clubs that are in greatest need as we strive to ensure our sporting sector is supported at every level across the country. The schemes will be run by Sport Ireland and the funding will be distributed through the national governing bodies of sport, similar to last year. The schemes will ensure that grant aid will only be provided by Sport Ireland and that the governing bodies are satisfied this funding is absolutely required.

Sport Ireland is currently assessing funding applications from sporting organisations with a view to funding allocations being announced and paid in December. Funding will be allocated as follows: field sports funding to support the main field sports, that is the FAI, the GAA, and the IRFU; a reliance fund to support the national governing bodies of sport other than the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU; a sports club resilience fund to support clubs from all sports; a swimming pools and facilities fund; and a resumption of physical activity fund that will include indoor sport. Allied to the additional current expenditure of €26.3 million already provided to Sport Ireland, this will mean a total of €91.3 million will have been allocated in addition to the current funding to support the sports sector in 2021.