Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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456. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of British soccer scouts operating here in recruiting underage footballers for British-based football clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38289/16]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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457. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the protocols and criteria used in respect of recruiting underage footballers by British football clubs here; the protocols and criteria used to select persons of suitable character to operate as a football scout for a British based football club here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38290/16]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 456 and 457 together.

Neither I nor Sport Ireland have any role in relation to the practice of British soccer scouts recruiting underage players in Ireland.  The Deputy may wish to enquire with the Football Association of Ireland as the National Governing Body for soccer in Ireland.