Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1066: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of taxpayers' money granted to the IRFU in 2006. [1582/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Sports Council, which is the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of sport, provided current funding of €3.6m to the IRFU in 2006 towards increasing participation by young people in sport and under the Women in Sport initiative. The element of grant-in-aid provided under my Department's Vote to the Irish Sports Council in respect of general assistance to National Governing Bodies of sport including the IRFU is funded by proceeds of the National Lottery.

In terms of sports capital funding administered by my Department, which is also funded by proceeds of the National Lottery, a once-off allocation of €65,000 was made in 2006 to the Irish Rugby Football Union towards the refurbishment of part of Lansdowne Road which had been affected by fire damage. Under my Department's sports capital programme, grants amounting to €3.706 million were provisionally allocated in 2006 to 34 clubs and provincial branches affiliated to the IRFU, towards the provision of sports facilities. In addition, also under the 2006 sports capital programme, grants totalling €2.5 million were provisionally allocated to three shared facilities catering for rugby and a number of other sports.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Government is also providing €191 million towards the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road Stadium.