Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not just him. All of them are role models through the performance they put on for us, for boys and girls, and men and women up and down the country over the course of the summer in both tournaments. We could talk about Abbie and her exploits. We could talk about Kellie and her exploits. We could talk about Gavin Bazunu, Matt Doherty and Shane Duffy. Chiedozie Ogbene in particular is a role model for young black Irish children. Of course, Evan Ferguson is also coming through. There are so many. The Minister of State and I come from a generation who are probably more likely to talk about Roy, Robbie, Frank and people like that. At the same time we can appreciate talent when we see it. Those role models and their important impact on young boys and girls across this country in terms of participation in sport cannot be understated. Without those role models, without seeing young men and women excelling at their chosen sport, whatever it might be, they cannot emulate it. They do not want to emulate it. Seeing it and wanting to be it are so important. That is the significant contribution the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme provides to this country.

I was pleased to hear the Minister of State talk about the progression of transparency within the scheme. It is really important for us to emphasise that in 2023, in something of a departure from the past, the system is now not only transparent but it is easy for a club to recognise where it has come within that process by filling out the forms appropriately, and making sure they tick all the boxes individually or with their local authority if the land is under management agreement. That is a really welcome and important step in this process. If I am honest, and this is not a remark with any intent behind it, the days of some Deputy or Minister deciding what a club should get based on their patronage to that individual politician are gone. I am glad to see they are gone. It is probably not befitting of 2023. That transparency drive the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and others have run is important.

I will also talk for a moment about the importance of the governing bodies and the skill-set they should be bringing. I have emphasised this with governing bodies when I have met them. There are unfortunately sporting clubs and organisation around the country that do not have the skill-set to fill out these forms. That is why there are traditionally successful sporting codes versus those that are not. That is why I have emphasised to sporting governing bodies that they need to help. The Government needs to help them too, to recognise there are certain sporting codes that require additional assistance to make sure they get a fair crack of the whip. I want to make sure that is said and on the record.

I will talk about the sports capital and equipment programme in my own constituency. I was pleased to see €3.5 million allocated in the last round, and I am sure we will exceed that in this coming round. I have seen first hand the value of the investment we have put in up and down the constituency and the country. I will not name the clubs, because I think pretty much every club that has applied in Fingal in the past 12 years has gotten a sports capital grant. For those that have not been successful we will be working to ensure they are successful on this occasion. I compliment the Minister of State on his comments on the 50% grant being withheld if women are not properly represented on governing boards. That is to be welcomed.

I want to spend a moment talking about League of Ireland. I tried to talk to the Minister of State about it during Question Time this morning, but we unfortunately ran out of time. The impact Euro 2028 will have on this country is measurable. The Minister of State has measured it in his response and I thank him for that. However, the investment profile that will come with ten games potentially being played on the island will, I hope, have an impact on training facilities for the nations hosted on the island of Ireland. Many Members have spoken about League of Ireland. Many Members have talked about crumbling stadia. Only one Member has mentioned the recent takeover of a club, but a number of takeovers have taken place in recent years. That indicates there is money in League of Ireland. If there is money in League of Ireland, there is an onus on them to invest in those stadia. However, not all of them are owned by those would-be purchasers. The State is the owner. I cannot stress enough that we cannot just look to Dalymount. We have to look at Tolka Park. I put my hand up as a season ticket holder, and I have been for many years. What troubles me most is that there is not a stadium in the League of Ireland at the moment, outside of Tallaght, that is not in awful condition. I wish we could rely on the clubs and local authorities to invest in them but they have clearly failed, miserably, over generations.

It is time we upped our game and improved the facilities available so the next round of Gavin Bazunus, Matt Dohertys and Shane Duffys are homegrown. Can the Minister of State remember the last time a League of Ireland player started for the Republic of Ireland? I can. It was Glen Crowe, about 15 years ago. We need to make sure that changes so that more players are bred and reared here and want to stay here because they have the opportunity to play in decent facilities at fantastic grounds up and down the country. I would like to think the catalyst for that expenditure plan by clubs and by the State will be the preparation we do for Euro 2028.

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