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

On the question asked by Deputy Carey, we will try to maximise the total funding envelope. I expect its amount will be significantly up on what we currently have. I will not go into our negotiation. The outcome will be announced when we announce the package. It will be positive for clubs and we are ambitious to help as many as possible.

On Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan's question, I will ask the Department. Covid has impacted a number of clubs around drawdown over the past two years in regard to construction and, as Deputy Griffin said, there have been difficulties with fundraising. One of the measures we are trying to take in this round is to allow the amount to be much closer to the ask. If we increase the envelope amount that will be more possible and, therefore, the drawdown will be more likely and that is important.

To answer Deputy Dillon's question, yes there is a split between the per capitaconsideration, which reflects the county population, and then it is based on the demand per county as well. I know Deputy Griffin was involved in developing that model. It has worked well in that there is a fair split and particularly rural and regional areas get a fair share of funding as well.

On Deputy Naughten's question about defibrillators, I will ask Sport Ireland to follow up on the legitimate points he made. We have supported the purchase of many defibrillators through the equipment programme. Some will be included in the sports capital. Through sporting organisations, we have funded many defibrillators as outlined in the announcement before Christmas. The Deputy is correct in that we cannot have an adverse court outcome impacting the fair usage and the incentive for people to purchase defibrillators.

On Deputy Murnane O'Connor's question, in this round we included a specific focus on female participation in sport. Clubs that are trying to attract women and girls to participate in their local clubs will benefit to a greater extent, and that is something we are keen to do in all the funding schemes.

As I said, I know people want to see this announced as quickly as possible. We expect it to conclude very shortly. The second chances will be finished in the next week. Following this, it is a case of finalising the envelope, which we are concluding, and completing the assessments. We expect this to be announced in early February. There will also be an appeal mechanism. The Government is conscious that it is important to give momentum to sport, volunteers and people participating in communities, and to allow the Government to match the ambition in our local communities with progress in terms of community infrastructure. This sports capital round will deliver on that when we announce the conclusion and the grant outcomes in early February. I expect the next time I am standing here answering questions, we will not be awaiting the current round.

See this speech in context