Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.

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.

Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, NGBs, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.

Any organisation that wishes to make an application must first be registered on the Department's online application system (www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie). One of the conditions of the Programme is that funding is only provided to "not-for-profit" organisations and in this regard the Department may seek proof of the applicant's status in order to determine eligibility. More details of the Programme including the latest "Guide to Making an Application" which sets out the terms and condition of the scheme can be found at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.

In terms of any grant applications, all applicants must confirm that they have read and understood the Guide to Making an Application and agree to comply fully with all the terms and conditions. Applicants must certify that all information in the application and supporting documents is truthful and accurate and accept that, if any information is found to be false or misleading, the Department may withdraw grants, require repayment of all or part of a grant and/or bar applications from this organisation for a period of time. Applicants are also reminded that the Department may inform An Garda Síochána if it is found that false or misleading documentation has been submitted.

If an application under the SCEP is successful, a letter of "provisional allocation" is issued. Before "formal approval" issues, a number of other requirements must be met. These standard requirements include the need to get at least three quotations for each element of the work being funded, proof of planning permission (if relevant) and the need to supply a Tax Clearance Certificate for the applicant and the supplier carrying out the work. If the value of the grant is above a certain threshold, an appropriate charge is put on the property to protect the funding provided. A grant agreement or declaration (depending on the value of the grant) must also be finalised.

All grant payments are made subject to requirements of the relevant circulars from the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. Grants are only paid on a vouched basis upon the production of proof of payment to the relevant contractor/supplier. Furthermore a percentage of the grant is retained until confirmation is received from the grantee's technical advisor that the project has been satisfactorily completed in all respects.

Grants under the SCEP are subject to regular audit and my Department also undertakes spot checks of grants. The Department also has a detailed procedures manual for dealing with any suspected instances of non-compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the Programme.

In relation to the grant specified by the Deputy, I can confirm that my Department is in ongoing contact with the grantees and no further payments will issue until the outstanding matters raised with the grantee are clarified to my Department's satisfaction.