James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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248. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has engaged with the Department of Education and Skills to resolve the problem of invalidated capital sport grants for primary schools that applied for funds on lands they do not own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14359/18]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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In recent rounds of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP), an issue was identified for certain schools located on lands owned by the Minister of Education and Skills being able to fulfil the standard title requirements of the programme. 

My officials have been engaging with the Department of Education and Skills with a view to resolving the issue and a draft mechanism has now been agreed. Subject to confirmation from the Departments' legal advisors that the proposed solution is in order, I expect that the relevant schools would be able to apply for funding when the next round of the SCP opens for applications.

More generally, my Department is undertaking a review of the 2017 round with a view to making recommendations on how to improve the process for future calls. This work is also looking at eligibility criteria and my officials will be engaging further with the Department of Education and Skills in this regard. I expect this review to be complete in the coming months and an announcement regarding the next round of the Sports Capital Programme will be made at that stage.