Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The criteria laid down by the Department are carried through by my officials. When I took office I had some reservations about the way the scheme had been operated in the past. My officials have told me quite clearly, however, that those schemes were done on a fair and balanced basis. The criteria include disadvantaged areas. Some of the biggest problems they have is that there are not matching funds from some of those drawing down funding. I am quite happy that, in the past, the scheme was run appropriately.

As regards this and past rounds, there are disadvantaged areas that do not have the support or manpower to make correct applications for schemes. I will be asking my departmental officials, therefore, to make it easier for these organisations to make such applications and to help and support them in every way we can. Sport is very important for the country. It is about targeting disadvantaged areas and ensuring everyone is included.

Deputy Keating said earlier that if more people took part in activities such as walking and cycling, there would be fewer people in hospitals in five years time. There would be fewer people suffering heart attacks and strokes, so fewer hospital beds would be required. It is everyone's job to ensure we get as many people as possible to take part in sporting activities.

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