Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that both Wheatfield and Mountjoy Prisons now have teams that participate in the Big Issue street leagues; his views on the value for money in terms of its returns and its value to the wider society in view of the positive outcomes for recovering addicts, homeless young men and ex-prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52860/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This question relates to the homeless soccer street leagues. I am aware of the work the leagues do in cities and towns, including prisons.  The Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring, had the pleasure of meeting those involved during Ireland's participation in this year's Homeless World Cup when he attended a reception for the team in Leinster House last month.  The street leagues do very valuable work with homeless persons, drug and alcohol dependent individuals in rehabilitation, ex-offenders, people who are long-term unemployed with identified learning disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers.  Programmes such as the street leagues can have a very positive impact for participants and assist in leading to positive life changes. They present a wonderful opportunity for participants to become involved in sport, with the possibility of representing Ireland at the Homeless World Cup.  I firmly believe sport can play a very important role in Irish society and the homeless leagues are a very good example.

The Irish Sports Council which is funded by my Department is the statutory body with responsibility for the allocation of current expenditure funding for sports organisations. The council channels funding through the national governing bodies of sport. In the case of soccer, funding is provided for the FAI. I understand the homeless street leagues are affiliated to the FAI and that since 2006 the FAI has been providing financial and other support for the leagues through its Football for All programme.  The street leagues have been an important programme for the FAI in the light of the good work they do in regard to social inclusion in a number of cities and towns around Ireland.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The current prisoner population is 4,248. In 2011 the average cost of imprisonment was €65,359 per prisoner. Some 60% of those serving sentences of six months or less are poor and, in many cases, homeless. The majority of prisoners have never sat a State examination and more than half left school before the age of 15 years. Prisoners are 25 times more likely to come from and return to a seriously deprived area. Some 90.3% of committals in 2009 were for non-violent offences. In 2008, of the 520 prisoners who enrolled in the school at Mountjoy Prison, 20% could not read or write, while 30% could only sign their name. Over 70% of prisoners are unemployed on committal and a similar percentage self-report as not having a particular trade or occupation.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Will the Deputy ask a question, please?

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the light of the fact that the street leagues use sport to transform the lives of individuals from underprivileged, poorly educated and socially and economically excluded communities, does the Minister agree that this is a very valuable initiative in terms of mental health, recidivism rates and cost effectiveness? Will he liaise with his counterparts in the Departments of Health and Justice and Equality to ensure the leagues receive sufficient funding to continue their valuable work?

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I certainly agree the leagues do very valuable work, targeting a group that is very difficult to reach. I should have mentioned that the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring, sends his apologies. He is in Brussels today attending a meeting of the Council of Sports Ministers. He has informed me that he is due to meet Deputy Sandra McLellan and Mr. Sean Kavanagh of the Big Issue street league on Wednesday of next week to discuss the programme. I certainly hope the meeting will be productive.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

With more than ten leagues and 1,000 players involved annually, as well as a national final and participation in the Homeless World Cup, does the Minister agree it makes sense to ensure the street leagues currently in operation and those that have recently been disbanded owing to a lack of funding are adequately resourced? I look forward to meeting the Minister of State next week and exploring with him how we can work together to ensure a positive outcome to this valuable initiative.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

During the past seven years the FAI has supported the grassroots street leagues programme throughout the country to the tune of €280,000. It contributed €130,000 towards the cost of the Irish international Homeless World Cup squad in the same period. In addition to these financial contributions, the FAI has supported some local leagues - by means of its development officers who are part funded by county councils - through coach education, referee education and league development. Since 2010 financial support from the FAI has decreased owing to pressures on the Football for All budgets. In 2012 it provided funding of €17,000 for street leagues, €8,000 for grassroots programmes and €9,000 for the Homeless World Cup squad. Inquiries were made of the Department of Justice and Equality and I can confirm that it does not provide funding for this initiative.