Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will assist a group (detail supplied) in Dublin 9 with funding; and if he will advise them on grants. [7217/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not administer any funding programmes specifically targeted at Disability Groups. However the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting clubs and organizations and to voluntary and community organizations in respect of projects directly related to the provision of sports and recreational sports facilities. The projects must be of a capital nature, which, for the purpose of the programme, is defined as: expenditure on the improvement or construction of an asset and includes any costs directly incurred in this process; or purchase of permanently based sports equipment, that is, it is securely housed, and will remain in use for five years or more.

The programme is advertised on an annual basis. The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2007 sports capital programme was 24 November 24 2006 and a total of 1,531 applications were received. These are currently being assessed and I hope to announce the successful applications shortly. The organisation in question did not submit an application under the scheme. It is intended that the 2008 sports capital programme will be advertised towards the end of this year and it will be open to the organisation to submit an application under that programme should it have a project which is in line with the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.

My Department's ACCESS scheme provides capital grants for arts and culture infrastructure around the country. Eligible facilities include integrated arts centres, theatres, and galleries as well as arts studios and creative and performance spaces. The primary focus of the scheme will be the refurbishment and enhancement of existing arts and culture facilities. A total of 155 applications for funding were received under the current scheme, ACCESS II 2007 to 2009. The organisation in question did not submit an application and the programme is now closed for applications. An independent selection committee is currently assessing the applications received. The Committee expects to provide me with recommendations in respect of these applications by March 2007 and I hope to make an announcement regarding the scheme shortly thereafter.