Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the call made by my colleague, Senator Michael D'Arcy, for a debate on the issue of domestic violence. Unfortunately, there is no doubt in my mind that the incidence of domestic violence is increasing throughout the country. I, therefore, support the Senator in highlighting the need an urgent debate on the issue.

Today the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Michael Ring, will have good news for many sports organisations. Some €41 million in sports grants will be distributed the length and breadth of the country, for which the Minister of State is to be commended. This is the fourth year in a row that he is making grants available to many clubs, organisations and groups. Unfortunately, however, it is not possible to provide grant aid for every applicant. Some applications are incomplete or invalid when submitted. I hope my alma mater,Cooley Kickhams in County Louth, which has been unsuccessful in the past is among those to receive a grant. The last grant it received was when the Taoiseach was Minister with responsibility for sport in the mid-1990s. I hope it will be successful in its bid today. It would be remiss of me not to compliment the Minister of State on reintroducing the grants four years ago and the good work done in the past four years.