Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 377: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the payment of a sports capital grant to a club (details supplied) in County Cork. [43218/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The organisation in question has been allocated €476,184 under the Programme since 1998 - €76,184 in 1999, €200,000 in 2002 and €200,000 in 2006. Both the 1999 and 2002 grants have been drawn down in full.

Grant allocations are subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which include, for allocations above certain specified thresholds, the execution of a deed of covenant and charge. This places a charge on the grantee's title to the property and is intended to protect the taxpayer's investment by ensuring that the facility remains in sporting use for at least 15 years. The Department's legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO), deals with the grantee's solicitor in executing this Deed. I understand that the CSSO has written to the Department on 23 November stating that the legal requirements in respect of the grant in question have been completed. Following receipt of this notification, the Department will write to the organisation in question seeking the submission of an up to date tax clearance certificate for the grantee with a view to issuing formal approval. When formal approval is received by the grantee in question, it will be a matter for the club to submit valid, paid invoices which in turn will be submitted to the Office of Public Works for certification in advance of payment of the grant.