An internal review into the way National Lottery money is used to fund sports facilties is underway, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr James McDaid announced today.

McDaid said he is initiating a comprehensive review of the Sports Capital Programme which allocates National Lottery funding through two separate schemes and is run from his Department.

However, before work can begin, the Minister said that all current applications under the existing schemes for the 1998 round of grant allocations will be examined. At present, there are over 1,100 clubs and organisations around the country seeking grant assistance. The £16 million of funding allocated under the schemes, but not yet paid out, in addition to upcoming allocations for 1998, will be paid subject to the conditions for the existing schemes being met.

No further applications under the existing schemes will be accepted in sports section of his Department after 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11th, McDaid said.