HC Deb 25 February 1977 vol 926 cc734-5W
Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for grants from public funds from Gaelic Athletic Association clubs are still being considered; and what amounts of money are involved.

Mr. Carter

33 clubs have made applications which, if approved, could involve grants at 33⅓ per cent. amounting to £380,000, but it is impossible to say how many of the projects will be approved and could be fitted into the capital programme. The maximum grant available to any individual voluntary sports club in any five-year period is £30,000. From experience it is known that many initial proposals fail to mature into definite projects and others are considerably reduced in scope due to the difficulties clubs have in raising their share of the expenditure.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether, having regard to the grants of public funds made to the Gaelic Athletic Association, he will state full particulars of its restrictions upon membership; and whether he will give similar information about other bodies receiving grants from public funds.

Mr. Carter

I presume the hon. Member is referring to grants under the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1973. The Gaelic Athletic Association restricts membership to those whosubscribe to, and undertake to further, the aims and objects of the Association, and specifically excludes British soldiers, navy men and police". No other voluntary sports clubs grant aided under the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 restrict membership in this way, the commonest form of restriction resulting from clubs' being related to a particular school, where membership is restricted to former pupils.