Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach as ucht cuidiú liom an rún seo a chur ós comhair an Tí agus cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, Deputy Mary White. The motion before us is a simple and practical one regarding the sports capital programme. Rather than entering into a long speech, I will pose a simple question. Will there be a new sports capital programme and will it be inclusive of sports and the community and municipal swimming pool fund?

Sports capital funding has been a lifeline for clubs and local communities. Clubs are immersed in the community, as the Cathaoirleach knows well from his own background and the Minister of State, Deputy Mary White, will be aware from her involvement in sport.

Sports clubs and groups and community groups have benefited from the sports capital programme. It has also brought a new lease of life to communities, both urban and rural. The postponement of the funding of facilities in 2010 was understandable given the economic climate in which we are. The programme has been closed for almost two years, as it was closed in 2008. Times are different now in the building industry, as prices have become far more competitive and have reduced considerably. Many people in the construction industry would be very well-qualified to assist local clubs, no matter how small or big, with projects. I hope the Government will commit to embarking on a sports strategy programme through the provision of new facilities in a project of regeneration and renewal of community life in Ireland. We have enough depression, people being down and bad news. Today, we could have a good news story for sporting clubs and community groups if there was a commitment by the Government to recommence the sports capital funding programme.

In 2008, the then Minister from Waterford, Martin Cullen, stated it would be postponed. Has it been postponed for the duration of the Government, no matter how long it has left in power? Will it be reopened? Where does the money from the national lottery go at present? It was created by Donal Creed in 1985 to assist in the funding of sport development projects. Where does the money go? As the Fine Gael spokesperson on sport, Deputy John O'Mahony, stated in the Dáil, this would act as a stimulus for local communities and local businesses. It would be a great tonic for sporting and community groups. The stimulus approach is in operation in other jurisdictions and countries and we need to have it here. We need to have it in our sporting organisations. We have tremendous potential. The improvement of facilities has been put on hold or suspended because there is no funding. My club in Bishopstown had almost 700 people join the Cork county board draw last month; it was the only club in the country to increase its membership. There is goodwill towards sporting clubs and if they get seed capital from the Government they will embark upon a project and commit to it. My club is building a hurling alley and a fundraiser was held recently at which we raised thousands of euro. There is money in the account but we need matching funds from the Government to finish it.

I hope even though we are in an economically difficult time there will be a positive outcome to the recommencement of the sports grant. I hope the Minister of State will look at it from the point of view of creating employment, generating VAT and tax returns for the Government, and creating great goodwill and hope among people and uplifting them. I hope we will look at this provision of extra facilities for young people and those in communities as a means of regeneration. I look forward to the response.