Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Recreational Facilities Scheme.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

56 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Education the reason the recreational facilities scheme to be operated under the sports section of her Department and advertised on 11th February 1994, was not described as being funded by the national lottery; and the reason such a short period is allowed of only approximately three weeks for voluntary organisations to submit detailed proposals of a complicated nature when it is clear that a longer period would be required for this purpose.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

An allocation of £1 million from the proceeds of the national lottery was provided for the recreational facilities scheme in the 1994 Estimate for the Public Services. The additional £3 million allocated for this scheme in the 1994 budget was provided from the Exchequer. As most of the funding is being provided from the Exchequer it was not appropriate to indicate in the advertisement that the scheme is being funded from the proceeds of the national lottery.

In relation to the recent advertisement I do not consider that three weeks is too short a period for the receipt of completed applications. The information sought in the application form is not of a complicated nature and does not require the voluntary organisation concerned to prepare detailed proposals. My Department is not aware of any difficulties being experienced by organisations in complying with the closing date of 4 March 1994.