Written answers

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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352. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he met with and or had telephone conversations with persons from a college (details supplied) in respect of a sports capital grant application in 2017 and 2018; the topics discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18597/18]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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With regard to the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP), I received numerous contacts from applicants and potential applicants in relation to their proposed projects. Many of these contacts were from applicants from within my constituency, including the organisation referred to by the Deputy. I also received numerous countrywide representations from Government and opposition deputies and as a result, met with a large number of applicants in response to their request for information about the SCP process. While many of these applicants received a grant offer, a number of the applicants who were in contact with me were ultimately deemed invalid.

As I have stated previously, I had no role in relation to the assessment of any individual application or appeal. A review of the 2017 SCP has now been published on my Department's website which contains full information on the assessment and appeal process including how allocation amounts were ultimately decided.

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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353. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he sought legal advice regarding a sports capital grant in respect of a college (details supplied) in 2017 and or 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18598/18]

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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While the general terms and conditions of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) were drawn up in consultation with the Department's legal advisors in the Chief State Solicitor's Office, and advice was obtained from the Department’s Legal Adviser in relation to the proposed approach to the appeals process, legal advice was not sought in relation to any one grant application or any one appeal.

A provisional allocation has been made to the organisation in question under the 2017 round of the SCP. As is the norm for all grants under the SCP, prior to formal allocation stage, all grantees will be required to give a legal guarantee confirming, inter alia, that the facility will be kept in sporting use and will remain available to any relevant sports club involved in the application.  Any other legal requirements are checked at this formal allocation stage and liaison with the CSSO is undertaken as necessary. No payments are made to any grant under the SCP until all relevant legal requirements are met.  

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