Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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In terms of my Department's responsibilities, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.

Under the last round of the SCEP (2020), €16.6 million was allocated to fund equipment; a record-breaking sum. While the Programme prioritises applications that will benefit persons with any disability, unfortunately it is not possible to fund equipment which can only be used by a specific individual. This requirement is in order to use limited resources to deliver maximum usage and participation. My Department is however, always willing to consider applications from a sports club for equipment that could benefit any group of users with particular needs.

In relation to future calls for proposals, I hope to announce the opening of a new round of the SCEP shortly. My Department has conducted a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP and a draft of the Review has been provided to me. I hope to publish this Review shortly. Any recommendations arising from the Review will be reflected in the next round. My officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure , NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to the launch of the next cycle of the SCEP. Once this engagement is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.