Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend both the Minister and the Minister of State, in particular, on their work in the sports capital and equipment programme. It is really important that more funding is provided and I acknowledge the significant work the Minister of State has done in it. Quite simply, a bigger budget means more funding for a larger number of clubs. In the context of Covid, we know that over the past two years these clubs were unable to do the types of fundraising activity they normally do to supplement the capital grants they would have received through previous programmes. It is crucial now more than ever that the grants provided in 2022 will be as large as possible for as many clubs as possible. We all know the benefits.

I commend the work, as does everyone in this House, of the Minister and the Minister of State in this regard. The logistical exercise in getting all these applications processed and giving the second chances is significant. I acknowledge the dedicated team in Killarney who are doing that in the Department with responsibility for sport. It is a massive exercise and it takes time, but it is worth taking the time to get it right and it will benefit those clubs in the end.

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