To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the rational as to why a multi-year funding programme for Sport NI has not yet been implemented, despite commitments made to the sporting sector during consultation.

This issue is an operational matter for Sport NI.

I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:

“Following Sport NI’s engagement with Sport over the summer and the feedback gathered through consultation in the autumn, Sport NI continue to work through the development process for the new programme.

“Aligned to the Programme Outcomes published in the consultation document, this new programme will focus on;

“Growth in participation levels, particularly among those who are inactive or face the greatest barriers.

“Increased access to sport & physical activity for people from disadvantaged areas and those living in poverty.

“Broader representation in sport, with higher participation from under-represented groups.

“Improved retention through better quality and more engaging participant experiences.

“Increased numbers of NI athletes transitioning on to senior National Programmes (GBR/IRL/NIR).

“Increased diversity across performance sport (athlete demographics and workforce).

“Sport NI remains committed to introducing a multi-annual funding programme for sport and is working to develop a more focused allocation model based on these policy objectives. Sport NI will give Sports as much information as possible and as early as possible to enable longer-term planning. Future levels of investment may vary from previous levels of investment, and Sport NI will work with each Governing Body to manage their specific circumstances.”