Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:151. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to initiate a national soccer strategy for the betterment of the game in Ireland. [54705/21]
View answerThursday, 11 November 2021
Questions (151)
Written answers
While the key responsibility for the ongoing development and improvement of each sport in Ireland rests with the National Governing Bodies, the Government’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) does stipulate a number of commitments from the FAI in relation to the development of Irish soccer which will greatly benefit the game in the long term.
The Memorandum of Understanding requires the FAI to develop a new strategic plan for a period of between 3 - 5 years in compliance with good governance practice and aligned to the National Sports Policy 2018-2027. The FAI presented their directional Strategic Plan to their AGM last July and made a commitment to consult widely with Irish soccer stakeholders via a variety of consultation formats. I understand that this consultation is well underway and that the FAI aims to have its strategic plan completed by December.
The Memorandum also requires the FAI to engage with clubs and players from the League of Ireland and the Women’s National League to draft a 5-year strategy to develop the Leagues and to commit appropriate funding and other resources to implement this development strategy, recognising their importance to the development of Irish soccer. I understand that, once the FAI has completed its strategic plan, an overall strategy for the League of Ireland and Women’s National League will be developed.