Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

With the greatest of respect, I was also at the committee meeting to which the Minister of State referred. The FAI was quite clear that it has applied for a grant but there is no guarantee it will get it and allow that money to filter down to the League of Ireland.

This is a time sensitive matter. Most clubs would usually sell season tickets in December or January and if they are not sold, clubs will not be able to reopen their doors. People use clubs for a variety of reasons and some go to their clubs just to have a cup of tea and engage with their community. This needs urgency. I am asking specifically about the League of Ireland. We will talk about other sports on other days. I implore the Minister of State not only to commit to meeting and engaging with the League of Ireland but to funding that will give confidence to those clubs to start planning for 2021.

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