Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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The Pobal HP Deprivation Index is Ireland's primary social gradient tool, commissioned by Pobal every five years following the completion of the national census. The most recent deprivation index was published in November 2023, using data 2022 census data.

The index provides a deprivation score for each of Ireland's 18,919 Small Areas, ranging from Extremely Disadvantaged to Very Affluent. The primary purpose of the index is to support Government Departments and state agencies to direct services and resources to the most disadvantaged communities on an objective basis, underpinned by robust data.

In respect of the organisation referred to, I understand that this query relates to the Sports Capital Grant administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media.

I have been informed that under Sports Capital, an organisation is not simply scored based on the deprivation score of the Small Area in which they are located, but rather a wider catchment area is considered, by virtue of a bespoke radius drawn around the facility, with the average Deprivation score of all Small Areas within that area calculated.

For the purposes of appraisal under the Sports Capital Grant, the organisation will be scored on this bespoke radial score which considers close by areas of disadvantage, or the original Small Area score, whichever is lower (i.e. more advantageous to the applicant).

The Deputy might contact the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media if any further clarity is required.