Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

That is an important question and the Deputy is correct. Some €2.5 million came from the dormant accounts fund, from the Department of my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. I have spoken to the Sports Council about this issue and it will maintain the funding for the disability officers. We believe in them. It is difficult and challenging for us to maintain the programme, but we see the disability officers as an intricate part of the programme who make an important contribution in particular areas of sport. The issue is being examined currently and I am very cognisant of it.

The reason for the cut in funding for the swimming pool programme is that we have built 45 swimming pools. Therefore, the capital programme has been reducing. The amount provided for this year is all we need this year. I can only spend a €7.5 million this year because the programme is at the end of its life and there is no requirement for more money in 2010.

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