Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This question relates to funding for homeless soccer street leagues.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the Irish team on their performance in the Homeless World Cup in Mexico. I also applaud the work that is being done through the homeless street leagues. Programmes such as these can have a very positive impact for those involved and present a wonderful opportunity for participants to represent their country at a large sporting event. I firmly believe that sport can play a very important role in Irish society and the homeless leagues are a very good example of this.

I have not received a request for a meeting with the representatives of the leagues but I will be happy to meet them if they wish.

The Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the allocation of current expenditure funding for sports organisations. The council channels funding through the national governing bodies of sport. In the case of soccer, funding is provided to the FAI. I understand that the homeless street leagues are affiliated to the FAI and that the FAI provides financial and other support for the leagues through its Football for All programme. I also understand that the leagues receive funding from Dublin City Council.

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