John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister mentioned in answer to an earlier question that one can do more for less money. I agree that the €725 million allocated up and down the country has been a wonderful encouragement and help to sporting organisations to provide facilities for young people.

While I accept we are all in a tight budgetary situation, there should be some allocation for 2009. Does the Minister agree there is evidence in other countries going through downturns that it is a help to increase funding in such circumstances because the part played by sport helps lift the gloom? While I could accept that there would be a reduction in funding, to think there is no funding at all in 2009 for these sports organisations up and down the country is nothing short of a disgrace.

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