Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This question relates to the homeless soccer street leagues. I am aware of the work the leagues do in cities and towns, including prisons.  The Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring, had the pleasure of meeting those involved during Ireland's participation in this year's Homeless World Cup when he attended a reception for the team in Leinster House last month.  The street leagues do very valuable work with homeless persons, drug and alcohol dependent individuals in rehabilitation, ex-offenders, people who are long-term unemployed with identified learning disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers.  Programmes such as the street leagues can have a very positive impact for participants and assist in leading to positive life changes. They present a wonderful opportunity for participants to become involved in sport, with the possibility of representing Ireland at the Homeless World Cup.  I firmly believe sport can play a very important role in Irish society and the homeless leagues are a very good example.

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 for the FAI. I understand the homeless street leagues are affiliated to the FAI and that since 2006 the FAI has been providing financial and other support for the leagues through its Football for All programme.  The street leagues have been an important programme for the FAI in the light of the good work they do in regard to social inclusion in a number of cities and towns around Ireland.

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