Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I raise two items with the Leader. First, I request a debate on the urgent need for the Government to provide further supports to our sports clubs and to support the reopening of our youth clubs that are struggling to reopen their doors. I am sure we were all excited to see our sports clubs reopening and by the prospect of attending live games again. However, behind the reopening and the associated excitement, a great deal of financial expense and headache is involved for many clubs in trying to conform to public health guidelines and alleviating concerns in that regard. Most clubs have been shut since early in this pandemic, with no way to fundraise or collect weekly subscriptions or membership dues.

Alongside our sports clubs, our youth clubs and scout troops are also seeking financial assistance to get them back to some sort of normality. Our children are really excited about returning to their sports clubs and-or looking forward to getting back to their youth clubs or scout troops. The many thousands of volunteers who run these clubs are struggling, however, to put together the finances required to get these great clubs up and running again while adhering to the public health guidelines. I would welcome if the Leader could organise a debate on youth services, youth clubs and sports clubs.

I also support my colleagues who have raised concerns regarding what is happening to family homes in Donegal and Mayo due to the severe problems with mica in those areas. The scheme offered by the Government must reflect previous schemes offered to homeowners elsewhere. Too many families simply cannot afford these much-needed and essential repairs to their homes and they now find themselves in desperate need. The Government must review the scheme and do this urgently.