Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

It is very fitting the Deputy should raise this because while we have been in the Chamber the play-off draws for the World Cup have taken place. I believe we will face the Czech Republic - that is the "check" I have been thinking about most in the Department of Finance today - with a possible home final against Denmark or North Macedonia. That is just the latest soccer information. The Deputy is right, and that is the backdrop against which he asks his question. While we all cheer on our national team and we are all so proud of the progress made, including by Troy Parrott, and the Hungarians being as sick as a parrot, we need to use this as an opportunity to make sure we continue to invest in and support grassroots football and sports facilities.

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