Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State said that the programme for Government was committed to an annual programme. "Annual" means yearly. We are now in 2016, we are heading into the summer recess this week and there is a state of confusion among sporting clubs right across the State as to whether the funding is available. The Minister of State said that there were 1,600 applicants last year, which will give him an understanding of the level of interest in the sports grant application process. He will also recognise how valuable these sports grants are to sporting clubs right across the State, particularly to sporting clubs and groups in disadvantaged areas. I am sure he will also agree that these grants help to promote health and well-being and community spirit. I wonder is it a case of stalling until it is too late in the year to announce it? When I asked about this at the transport committee meeting, the Minister, Deputy Ross, said that it was a political decision between him and the Minister of State. Given that the programme for Government states that the Government will consider this annually, when will the Minister of State say whether he will announce it for this year? If he has no intention of doing so, will he say so, in order that sports clubs do not go blind watching to see whether the funding will be available? They should be given enough time to get their applications in order and submitted. A bit of clarity would not go astray. We are into July.

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