John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am a little confused by the Minister of State's response. The question concerns the review and is pertinent to the discussion we had on the previous question. The bottom line with regard to what I and the public want to know is who decides on the allocation or distribution of the sports capital funding? Is the Minister of State aware of the deep dismay that exists with regard to the geographical distribution of sports capital funding over the years?

Deputy Mansergh mentioned the sports strategy. In a five-year period, County Kerry, for example, got €20 million and my constituency of Mayo got €10 million. The Minister mentioned headlines in the Kerryman when sports funding was allocated there and the criticisms of those who did not receive grants. I can show the Minister of State another headline, which states, "Former Minister left 'bill' of €124 million in sports grants". Are we paying for the withdrawal of sports capital funding now because too many promises were made in 2007 and in the lead up to the general election?

Between 2006 and 2007, some €173 million was allocated in sports capital grants. In 2008, some €50 million was allocated, but there have been no grants allocated in 2009 and there is no prospect of them in 2010 if I understand the Minister of State correctly. Is it his view that the review should ensure the allocation of grants is distanced from the political system, particularly if the distribution is such as that we have been getting? For example, in County Kerry a swimming pool project was allocated €5 million in 2006, yet the response to the previous question stated the strategy was completed in 2005 and that funds would be targeted. Some €5 million was provided for a pool in Killarney in 2006, when there were 15 other swimming pools, and in fact that project is no longer viable and may be closed down. Will the Minister of State please answer those questions?

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