Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. He has answered most of my questions in great detail. I am delighted that he has announced today the sports capital programme on which he must be congratulated. The importance of sport in the life of a person is invaluable. Since the announcement of the sports capital grant programme in the budget, numerous sporting clubs and organisations have contacted me asking where and how they can apply and the criteria involved. I had a telephone call from a constituent 20 minutes before I came into the Chamber regarding a handball alley in Mallow because he heard the announcement on the 1 o'clock news. I told him I would revert to him today with the details.

Are the Gaeltacht areas included in the programme and are the application forms available as gaeilge? With the scarcity of resources and money, what are the Minister's views on some of the clubs and organisations sharing resources? Will this programme target disadvantaged areas?

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