Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I accept that we are not going to get an outline of what will be in the budget but I seek reassurance that there is still a commitment there. In fairness, the Department played a major role in the Global Findings Report being conducted. That report found there is an absolute necessity to provide significant funding for academies. We know the scenario in relation to professional football, the possibilities that exist and the need to make sure we have the necessary throughput of players. It is all about contact and professionalism but that can only happen if we have the funding.

I ask the Minister to outline as much as he can in relation to that commitment. I am not taking away from the financial commitment that has already been given in relation to the FAI. Deputy Joanna Byrne has spoken about the fact that we would all like to see the Irish team doing much better. At this moment in time, the League of Ireland is flying but also has some issues in relation to funding.

Has the Minister had contact with LMETB or the FAI in relation to the fact that the youth training programme which is run out of Oriel Park is to cease at the end of the month? There is obviously a lot of worry in relation to that. Indeed, SIPTU and many others have commented on it.

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