Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I will not labour the point, but despite all the facilities that have been built, there is a problem with access. Many of the facilities that have a single owner, such as clubs composed largely of volunteers, find it extremely onerous to maintain a building. The financial burden and the workload would be significantly reduced if there was multi-ownership.

I wish to raise with the Minister a problem that was brought to my attention by my colleague, Deputy Olwyn Enright, in respect of the Birr Rugby Club. Apparently there is a rule that when an organisation receives a second grant under the scheme, it must obtain a document from the Chief State Solicitor's Office but there is enormous delay in obtaining said document. I understand that Birr Rugby Club has been forced to obtain a bank loan, which is costing it a fortune. It may have to carry that loan for up to one year. Perhaps something could be done to streamline that system.

I also wish to take this opportunity to wish the hurling team of my home town, Birr, the best of luck on Monday.

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