Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the recently announced scheme whereby the Football Association of Ireland is to have a welfare officer with responsibility for young Irish players living in Britain; the way it is proposed to fill, finance and maintain this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46610/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On 27 November, together with Chief Executive of the Football Association of Ireland, Mr. John Delaney, I announced the appointment of Terry Conroy as the new FAI welfare officer for Britain. This followed a two-stage interview process conducted by the FAI and officials from the Irish Abroad Unit of my Department. This initiative is a direct response to concerns that the welfare needs of young Irish players who travel to Britain to take up positions at professional clubs be addressed. The vast majority of these young people are ultimately released by their clubs and some experience considerable hardships.

The new welfare officer will liaise with clubs in Britain on behalf of players and their families, particularly in cases where difficulties arise in relation to alcohol, substance abuse or gambling. He will work directly with the players to ensure that they are aware of local educational and other vocational training opportunities and will also be available to assist retired Irish footballers who may have fallen on hard times.

The Department has allocated a €50,000 grant towards the programme this year, with matching funding provided by the Football Association of Ireland, under whose aegis the welfare officer is employed. The welfare officer will report directly to the FAI, which will in turn report to the Department on the programme's progress. A comprehensive progress report will also be submitted to the Department within twelve months.