Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In my engagement with the FAI, I am absolutely committed to strengthening the League of Ireland. A huge growth in interest has been seen, but the Deputy is correct in saying we have an infrastructure deficit to address and we have to partner with many of the clubs in trying to remedy that.

I know the Deputy has done considerable work in the context of education and how we can strengthen that pathway for players, in parallel with the League of Ireland. I am committed to doing much work there and I am absolutely committed to trying to strengthen both the grassroots aspect of football and the League of Ireland infrastructure which needs investment. That is why we see funding streams, even through the largescale sports infrastructure fund. Work is ongoing there and I accept we need to do more.

However, it is not a question of either-or. Potentially hosting a major event could bring significant economic benefit to the country. There could be huge North-South and east-west benefits. I argue there is scope to explore both properly in order that it has a meaningful impact-----

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