Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in relation to the national lottery funding grant for a club (details supplied); if this will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18358/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The aim of the Programme is to maximise participation in sport through the provision of modern high quality, safe, well-designed and sustainable facilities and sports equipment. The provision of such facilities allows for increased numbers to participate in sport.

A grant of €50,000 was provisionally allocated to the project in question under the Sports Capital Programme in 2006, and a further €50,000 in 2007. The grant allocations were subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which include compliance with requirements relating to a deed of covenant and charge.

A deed of covenant and charge provides, inter alia, for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The Department's legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor's Office - CSSO - deals with the grantee's solicitor in relation to the deed. I understand that the CSSO recently received documentation regarding the case from the solicitors representing the organisation dated 5 May 2009. The documentation submitted has been examined by the CSSO, who wrote to the grantee's solicitor yesterday requesting further documentation regarding the deed.

The position at close of business yesterday (6 May) remained that the CSSO awaits the submission of the outstanding documentation and will examine it expeditiously upon receipt. If the documentation is in order then the legal issues can be concluded and, subject to compliance with the Programme's terms and conditions, a grant payment will follow.