Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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118. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29594/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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As part of the €70 million Covid-19 funding package in place for the sport sector, a Resilience Fund of up to €15 million is being made available to support sports clubs that find themselves in need of assistance to avoid closing. This funding will be delivered by Sport Ireland through the recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport, in this case the FAI.

The establishment of the eligibility criteria for the scheme is a matter for Sport Ireland. I had no role in that regard. I am informed by Sport Ireland that they provided NGBs, including the FAI, with detailed guidelines around the resilience fund scheme including the eligible costs and Sport Ireland’s specific information requirements. The overarching principle of the scheme is to replace lost income from sporting activity due to COVID-19.

The closing date for applications to Sport Ireland under the COVID 19 grant schemes was September 14. I understand that a large number of applications was received. 39 National Governing Bodies applied on their own behalf or on behalf of their member clubs. Sport Ireland is currently processing and validating the applications. The process will be complete by the end of October and an announcement on allocations will be made at that time.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for additional information on this matter. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.