Ciarán Cannon (Progressive Democrats)

I was greatly concerned last weekend to hear a section of a debate that appears to have escaped under the radar at national level. It pertained to a decision taken by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to halt immediately the sports capital grants that have been so helpful to Irish sporting organisations since 1987. I note with interest that Senator Buttimer has decided to raise this matter on the Adjournment this evening and I look forward to the Minister's response. However, this issue deserves to have the Minister come before the House to explain how this decision was arrived at. The decision was taken to cease immediately one of the most successful sporting grant schemes, certainly in Europe, in recent years. All Members present could name ten or 15 projects in their localities that have benefited from it. Although the national lottery stated last year that its 2007 sales were the best since the lottery began, accumulating a figure of €245 million, out of all that income, not a single cent can be spent on Irish sporting organisations this year. This was a major decision taken by a Minister without reference to this House. I ask that the Minister appear before the House. Perhaps the decision is logical and perhaps he knows best but I would be extremely interested in hearing him explain that logic.