Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport when she intends to publish the national sports facility strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36753/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am currently considering the draft National Sports Facilities Strategy 2010-2015 which has been completed within my Department. Prior to finalisation, the draft strategy was circulated for comments to relevant Government Departments and other bodies and has been amended to take into account the comments received. A decision on the publication of the strategy will be taken when I have fully considered the issues contained in it. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment and grant assistance at national, regional and local level and to ensure a co-ordinated approach across the various agencies and Government Departments involved in supporting the provision of sport and recreational facilities. The strategy identifies the wider economic, health and social case for continued investment in sports facilities. It aims to prioritise areas for future investment and ensure continue impact in the relevant areas.

Since 1998 grants to the value of €730m have been allocated under the Sports Capital Programme to some 7,400 projects. A number of changes were introduced for the 2008 Sports Capital Programme to implement key commitments contained in the Agreed Programme for Government. For example,

· The level of own funding required from applicants in urban disadvantaged areas was reduced;

· Joint applications from schools and clubs were promoted, provided they were accompanied by evidence that the club will have access to the facilities for at least 30 hours a week; and

· In keeping with the Government's commitment to the electronic delivery of public services, the closing date for receipt of online applications was a week later that for paper applications. This resulted in an increase of 600% in online applications in 2008.

Once the Sports Facilities Strategy has been completed, it will provide an improved policy platform for any future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.