Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I confirm that the scheme is open and that funding is there. While anyone can make an application, it must fit the criteria in order to be successful. We do not discuss individual cases with anyone, in the interests of fairness. The process is there and any group, including the one the Deputy has referred to, can make an application. There is a process and an evaluation committee in place. If an application comes through the process, it will be considered like all other schemes. We do not talk about individual cases to anyone. One would expect that as it would not be fair to any particular project.

See this speech in context