Vol. 511 No. 4
39 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has received a copy of the Football Association of Ireland submission, Improving the Quality of Life and Social Inclusion through the Development of Soccer; if so, his response to the submission; the plans, if any, he has to provide the assistance sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24529/99]
I have very recently received a copy of the Football Association of Ireland's submission to the Minister for Finance in the context of the forthcoming budget. The submission is a lengthy and comprehensive document and I have arranged to meet shortly with the Football Association of Ireland to discuss its contents. The submission will be considered in the context of the Government's overall sports policy, the priorities developed by the sports council for the development of sport and, of course, in the context of resources available.
I have sent a copy of the submission to the Irish Sports Council which has statutory responsibility for the funding of individual sports organisations and for working with governing bodies in the development of all sports in the country. Incidentally, earlier this year, I announced funding of more than £800,000 to the three major national governing bodies of sport, the IRFU, GAA and the Football Association of Ireland, towards the development and implementation of programmes and initiatives to increase and enhance the involvement of young people in areas of social and economic disadvantage in sports activities. The sports council will be also looking at the FAI's proposal in the context of this initiative.
