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

Cuirim fáilte mhór roimh an deis labhairt leis an gcoiste maidir le Meastacháin Athbhreithnithe 2022 mar a bhaineann siad le mo réimse freagrachta maidir le seirbhísí spóirt agus fóillíochta.

The 2022 allocation for sports and recreational services amounts to €181.2 million and is clear evidence of Government support for the aims of this programme area by contributing to a healthier and more active society by promoting sports participation and supporting high performance and the provision of sport facilities.

In the context of sports facilities, the Minister and I recently had the pleasure of announcing an overall package of €150 million in new capital grants under the latest round of the sports capital and equipment programme. There was a record number of applications for these grants and the Government responded with the most significant level of individual awards ever. The increased allocation of €34.5 million for the sports capital and equipment programme in 2022 reflects this commitment to investment in sport.

Current funding for Sport Ireland programmes totals €96.21 million in 2022, enabling Sport Ireland to ensure the emergence of a strong and vibrant sport sector post Covid. Measures support the implementation of the high-performance strategy approved by the Government in June last, equality in grant funding for female and male Gaelic players and core grant funding for sporting bodies. The allocation also provides for increased funding for sports measures via the Dormant Accounts Fund and increased funding for initiatives to attract major sporting events to Ireland.

The overall 2022 allocation represents a significant investment in sport and builds on the extensive support packages provided to address the Covid-19 challenges to national governing bodies and clubs in 2020 and 2021. I believe it will ensure the emergence of a strong and vibrant sports sector post Covid, which will provide opportunities for everyone to engage in sport and physical activity in all our communities.

The Minister and I will be happy to take any questions Deputies may have.