John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The problem is the sums of €56 million and €48 million represent the same as the €80 million pledged in 2006 and 2007. The Minister took the credit for that amount at that time. I am glad the Minister has given some assurance for 2011, but what is to happen with the swimming pool programme? The Minister mentioned €7.5 million. That figure is 40% down on the amount provided in 2009. Therefore, the overall 4% cut mentioned earlier covers up a lot of figures.

The grants to support sport in disadvantaged areas have suffered a cut of 70% in the current spending budget. Under the sports partnerships, there are 20 sports inclusion disability officers. These were paid from the dormant accounts with €60,000 provided for the work of each of them. I know at first hand of the serious work done by these officers and the opportunity this programme has provided to the disabled. Disabled people were affected by the budget last week. Can the Minister guarantee this funding will be protected and expanded in the coming year?

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