Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for tabling his important question. As he knows, every Member of the House is anxious to know when the sports capital programme will operate again. As I said in my reply, sport is very important in this country. We love it and people want to take part in it. It is my job and that of the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, and the Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, to ensure whoever wants to take part gets every opportunity to do so at a reasonable price and that facilities are made available to everyone.

There has been a comprehensive swimming pool programme in recent years. We are examining whether to enhance the programme. Local authorities have said they find it very difficult to get matching funding, which is a big problem. There is some funding within the Department and we will complete the programme. I understand 58 projects are involved and a number have not been completed.

On spending responsibilities in this country, the Department has laid down a criterion. There are marks in regard to disadvantaged areas and who should and should not receive funding. If and when there is a new round of programmes, funding will be fairly distributed throughout the country. I agree with the Deputies that it should be prioritised for areas that need it badly.

The Minister and I have had discussions on reopening the programme. My priority will be to work from the bottom up. We have the Aviva stadium, Croke Park and Thomond Park, which are worthy national projects. There are some regional projects but I want to work from the bottom up. There are clubs working and trying to encourage young people to become involved in sport. I have had discussions with the Minister, Deputy Howlin, to reopen the programme. I hope it will happen before the end of the year. That is the goal towards which we are working.

I cannot yet say when the programme will reopen. Many Deputies have asked me when it will be reopened. Many clubs throughout the country have projects which are ready to go and need some funding. It will be more difficult for them now to get matching funding. It was a great scheme which worked very well. There are great facilities in this country and that is why we are working hard to try to get people to come from all over the world to use them for the Olympics.

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