James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording me time to discuss this important matter, namely, the need for the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to explain why application forms for funding under the national lottery sports grants programme for 2009 have not yet been made available to clubs and when he envisages grants being paid. I am asking not only when the grants will be paid, but if it will be in the foreseeable future. There is major concern throughout the country about the delay in issuing application forms and awarding funding.

I first submitted this matter for debate on 23 March and have submitted it each week since then. It has finally been selected for debate two months later. I wonder why it has been sidelined for so long. I am from a strong sporting family and many members of my family have been associated with the GAA and, indeed, other sports over the years. Like county groups throughout the country, Longford-Westmeath sporting organisations have made numerous representations to me about sports grants for 2009.

Although we are faced with tight budgetary constraints, national lottery funding is separate from budgetary allocation and, as such, should not be radically affected. While spending on lottery tickets may be reduced as a consequence of the economic downturn, considerable moneys will nevertheless continue to be generated. If some of this fund is not allocated to sport, will the Minister explain how it is being allocated? If the national lottery money previously earmarked for sporting organisations is not to be disbursed to those groups, we can only assume it will be lost in another bottomless pit by a Government that has failed the people.

The apparent complete abandonment of sports capital funding represents a major blow to the sporting clubs and associations that play a valuable role in their communities. This is a crying shame. Sport is the bedrock of every community in every country. It binds together local groups and provides an outlet for young people who might otherwise be drawn into drugs, crime and associated activities. An issue of particular concern is the uncertainty regarding the continuation of Government funding for GAA inter-county players. The Gaelic Players Association has indicated its members are prepared to take a cut in funding in line with other sports as a consequence of the current economic crisis. The protection of this funding is critical to the future of the GAA as it affords parity with other elite athletics. This is extremely important for those engaged in our national games.

Numerous parliamentary questions have been tabled to the Minister recently on the question of funding for sports. Sports clubs and organisations are falling victim to a passing of the ball between the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Department of Finance. In these times of economic recession and job losses, it is more important than ever that public morale is lifted by sporting endeavours. I take this opportunity to congratulate Shane Lowry on his fine achievement in winning the Irish Open at Baltray last weekend. I am familiar with that golf course and the area in which it is located because I knew the former manager well.

I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, will have good news for us today. I received a telephone call only today from my own parish club, which is in great need of funding. At least 23 clubs throughout County Longford are awaiting an allocation from the national lottery fund. A similar number in County Westmeath are crying out for support. Will the Minister of State indicate when this funding will be delivered?

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