Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the up to date position regarding the review of the sports and funding schemes in the context of their impact in the Gaeltacht and islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20988/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department carried out a review of expenditure under its Gaeltacht Improvement Schemes, including supports for recreational facilities, during 2005 and the resulting Report was laid before the Oireachtas Select Committee for Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in October 2006. I have arranged that a copy of this Report be forwarded to the Deputy for her information.

As part of review process, four representative sample recreational facilities were specifically evaluated under the following headings:

1. Strength of the Irish language in the area;

2. Value for Money for the State in terms of language;

3. Community benefit;

4. Level of use; and

5. Achievement of Department aims.

The appraisal of results indicates that the scheme is achieving Departmental aims with regard to developing infrastructure and public facilities in the Gaeltacht and islands.

In addition, an independent review of my Department's Gaeltacht Summer Camp Scheme has been completed and a revised scheme put into operation.