Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will protect the remaining sports budget as outlined in correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14764/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that in addressing the public finances all areas of expenditure have been examined and the budget in relation to sport, like all areas, has been impacted following this process. Nevertheless the huge social and economic benefits of sport are acknowledged by this Government and are reflected in the unprecedented level of Government funding for sport over the last number of years.

In the period 2004 to 2008, more than €1.2bn has been spent on Sport. The allocation in 2009 (prior to today's budget) is just over €199m. While there is a reduction on the 2008 allocation – due mainly to the payment in 2008 of €116m towards the Lansdowne Road project which is not repeated in 2009 - I am confident that the 2009 allocation will be sufficient to sustain Irish sport in the current difficult economic climate.