Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am acutely aware of the difficulties and challenges faced by sports organisations, particularly regarding the rules on spectators. Measures introduced by the Government to date that have benefited the sports sector include the temporary wage subsidy scheme.

There has been extensive engagement with the sports sector over recent months, and this has highlighted the significant adverse impact of Covid-19 at all levels of the Irish sporting landscape. A Covid-19 sports management group, chaired at ministerial level, has been established to engage directly with the sports bodies. An expert group on the return to sport, chaired by an official in my Department, has been established to provide advice and guidance to sports bodies. Sport Ireland is engaging directly with sports bodies on an ongoing basis.

A funding package of €70 million has been put in place to support the sector. The funding package, which will be administered by Sport Ireland, includes funding of up to €40 million for the three main fields sport organisations, namely, the FAI, GAA and IRFU; a resilience fund of up to €10 million to support the national governing bodies of sport; a sports club resilience fund of up to €15 million to support clubs; and a sports restart and renewal fund of up to €5 million. The funding will be invested by way of new grant schemes through Sport Ireland's recognised public partners, including the national governing bodies of sport, the local sports partnerships and other funded sports organisations.

The closing date for applications to Sport Ireland under the Covid-19 grant scheme was 14 September. I understand a large number of applications was received. Thirty-nine national governing bodies applied on their own behalf and on behalf of their member clubs. Sport Ireland is currently processing and validating their applications. There is significant interest in each of the four strands of funding. The process will be complete by the end of October. An announcement of all allocations will be made at that time.

In addition to this funding, I announced a special fund of €2.5 million for the July stimulus scheme to support swimming pools and their operation. This funding will also be administered by Sport Ireland. The Deputy will note the €15 million support for the GAA, the Camogie Association and ladies' football. That is in direct recognition of the shortfall that will arise from the reduced number of spectators at all the games.

We want to ensure our all-Ireland competitions across the three codes happen this year. The reduction in spectators in stadiums and at local clubs and pitches has a direct impact on sport, and that is why we are providing the stimulus funding and buffer for all the organisations this year and why we are engaging in the budgetary process for next year. While Covid stays with us, we want to ensure sport is supported by the Government in the context of participation and continuing competition. That is why we have provided such a wide range of supports. Sports have been referred to specifically in the context of the resilience roadmap and plan. In this regard, when the pandemic worsens or improves there will be certainty for clubs and sports organisations regarding how they can plan for their matches and the impact this will have on funding.

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