Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The allocations are made by the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, and signed off by me. In that context, our decisions are informed by advice provided by officials in the Department's sports division. The role occupied by Mr. Paul McGrath does not involve decision making, rather it involves providing advice on tourism and sport and all matters relating thereto. The setting of the criteria for the sports capital programme is very much a policy matter and not a party political one. Mr. Paul McGrath is not an employee of the Department and he does not receive any remuneration for the work he does. He offers advice to the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, on a pro-bonobasis. I imagine there are people, both in government and in opposition, who are advised by particular individuals on a similar basis.

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