Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate. I support the motion and its call for the Government to give its backing to the FAI report on facility investment with a comprehensive State-backed investment programme, its call for a review of the sports capital and equipment programme grant and its call to address gender equality access issues within football.

There is no doubt there has been underinvestment in soccer in this country. This, coupled with poor leadership, has made it hard for clubs and players to develop. An example is Finn Harps FC in Donegal, which has been trying for years to get approval for funding for a new stadium in Ballybofey.

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