Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will advise on a case (details supplied). [18025/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In 2007, funding of almost €2 million was allocated from the dormant accounts fund through my Department for projects to increase participation in sports and recreation in disadvantaged areas. In total 781 worthwhile projects throughout the country, including a number of GAA clubs, are benefiting from grants ranging from €500 to €10,000. A variety of sporting and recreation activities for disadvantaged young people are being supported including funding for coaching, training, purchase of equipment, hire of facilities and outings to activity centres.

My colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has overall responsibility for dormant accounts spending and the funding through my Department is an element of a larger set of economic and social disadvantage funding measures. My Department also provides significant funding for sports in disadvantaged areas through the Irish Sports Council and the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programmes in addition to these special measures under the dormant accounts funds.