Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In fairness, we do not withdraw grants from organisations, but give them every opportunity to draw them down. What happens sometimes is that we write to the organisations and they respond that they cannot withdraw the grant and wish to hand it back to the Department. The Department gives organisations every opportunity to draw down their grants. Over the past number of weeks we have written to organisations, because we have €77 million in outstanding grants. We want these grants to be paid out but, if not, we want to know from the clubs whether they can draw down the funding. If any organisation or club has been awarded a grant, we will give it any help or assistance it needs to draw down that funding. We are anxious the grants are drawn down. There is no delay in payment. Once the grantees produce the legal documents, we can pay, but we want them to come up with the necessary paperwork. These are all voluntary clubs and organisations and we want to support and help them. We are not using the big hammer, but want to help them.

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