Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Labour Party believes that football is one of the most effective anti-poverty, anti-racism and anti-addiction tools we have at our disposal. This morning we understand that Türkiye has withdrawn from the proposed hosting of the 2028 European Championships and that Ireland and the UK will now host this tournament in 2028. Many football people in Ireland, however, will not celebrate this decision because, as the Taoiseach may be aware, the level of facilities we have in Ireland is very poor. For example, 38% of clubs cannot even provide basic facilities for girls' teams and week in week out we have underage games being called off because of the poor facilities in the country. Does the Taoiseach not feel this is potentially a huge distraction in terms of football infrastructure in this country? Will the Taoiseach give a commitment that it is the underage game, the League of Ireland and the domestic game that needs the infrastructure and the investment, and that the hosting of a tournament should not distract Government or the Minister from that end goal?

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