Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The programme for Government provides that "In future sports funding should prioritise projects which further greater participation in sport on a local and national level". I will be keeping this commitment in mind in the context of the allocation of any future sports funding.

The sports capital programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improved facilities in virtually every village, town and city around the country. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs, to regional multi-sport centres and national centres of sporting excellence. Almost 7,500 allocations have been made since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €743 million. These grants continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the provision of modern, high quality facilities around Ireland which attract more people to participate in sporting activities.

Regarding the current expenditure funding for sports programmes, I can inform the Deputy that the Irish Sports Council has a statutory responsibility for the promotion and development of sport in Ireland. One of the central functions of the council, and a key pillar in its statement of strategy, is to increase participation rates in sport. Since its establishment in 1999, funding of almost €416 million has been provided to the Irish Sports Council towards initiating, developing and enhancing a wide range of programmes aimed at increasing participation and raising standards in Irish sport. A further amount of €46.8 million has been provided this year. The allocation for this year will allow the Irish Sports Council to implement the commitments in its strategic plan to increase participation in sport and to improve the levels of performance by our elite athletes in world-class competition.

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