Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with many of the points made by Senators Craughwell and Malcolm Byrne on protests and the abuse that many people get. This issue affects not just politicians but also many other people who work in very important roles and do what is not just very important but also what is very good.

Will the Leader get an update from the Minister of State with responsibility for sport on sports capital grants? We had an announcement in early August with regard to the equipment side of sports capital grants and this was hugely welcome for sports clubs throughout the country, including in County Tipperary. This is the small money. The big money is the next round that comes. I am being inundated by clubs. In Tipperary there are many clubs that are hugely keen to get as much funding as possible. There is a worry about when it will be announced. There was talk it would be November or December and now it looks like it might be January or maybe later. I know almost all of the applications have been assessed at this stage. Is there any update on when this will happen? The clubs are eager to get going and get funded. I have been contacted by a huge number of clubs in Tipperary that want to get started. The work done is of huge benefit to the area and the clubs. I am thinking of all clubs, including tennis and GAA clubs, Kilsheelan-Kilcash GAA club and Clonmel soccer club. The women's hockey team in Clonmel has an application for a new hockey pitch. It has had no hockey pitch for years. It has made an application with the Presentation school in Clonmel. It really wants to get going on this to support so many people who are into sport in the area. If we could get an update it would be greatly appreciated.