Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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45. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Sport Ireland has delayed in responding to the application for additional funding for the national women's soccer team for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30131/17]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, provides funding to the FAI from its Youth Field Sports Programme and its Women in Sport Programme. Funding of €2.7 million was provided to the FAI last year. Sport Ireland intend to announce the 2017 allocation to the FAI shortly. Youth Field Sports funding is aimed at increasing participation in football by young people. The Women in Sport funding is for the grassroots development of women's football and funds participation initiatives for adult women.

  Sport Ireland has informed me that, following receipt of an application from the FAI for additional funding for the Women's National Team for 2017, the request was considered by the Board of Sport Ireland at the same time as other applications made by the FAI for funding in 2017.  There was no undue delay.  The applications were brought before the Board of Sport Ireland on June 14th.  The Board of Sport Ireland decided that, given their current budgetary position, Sport Ireland is not in a position to support this initiative at this time.  This decision was communicated to the FAI on June 15th.  I am also informed by Sport Ireland that they will keep the matter under consideration as part of the budgetary process for 2018.  

In terms of other supports, Sport Ireland informs me that, following a request from the FAI, the Women's National Team has access to the Sport Ireland Institute services and facilities. I intend to raise the matter with both the FAI and Sport Ireland when I meet with both in the near future.