Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I really hope there will be a further round of sports capital funding. The Deputy is quite correct to note that no such programme operated between 2008 and 2012, which put a lot of pressure on small voluntary groups nationwide. The Deputy also is correct that the provision of small amounts of funding to small clubs has worked well. The Government does not get any recognition for the larger funding amounts, but the smaller organisations are extremely thankful for the funding they receive as it puts in place highly valued facilities for them. I hope the Deputy and my colleagues, as well as the two Ministers who are present, will support me in this regard. I already have spoken to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, and am hopeful that I will secure another round of sports capital funding. The last two rounds of the sports capital programme have been recognised as being positive for sports and organisations. It was the first time for many years in which there were no major rows concerning the manner in which the money was distributed. While some people consider the pro ratasystem to be unfair, I believe it to be the best way forward. When the Government and I allocate this funding, we try to spread it among sports and to make sure that the smaller organisations get an opportunity in addition to the larger organisations. I reiterate my hope that a further round of sports capital funding will be secured and I look forward to the support of the Deputy and that of our colleagues to put pressure on the Government. It is good news for sport and for participation, and I hope another round will be secured.

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