Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
74. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will clarify when the €500,000 earmarked for grassroots girls' programmes, adult women recreational football and women in football leadership programmes will be accessible; the application process to secure funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34693/23]
View answerOne of our primary aims under the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 is to increase the levels of participation in sport by women and girls. Football is a key sport in contributing to that aim and I am delighted to note the huge growth over recent years in the number of women and girls playing football.
The Government and Sport Ireland are continuing to support the FAI in growing the game amongst women and girls.
The National Women's Team's qualification for the World Cup is an important milestone for women's sport in Ireland and is an historic achievement, marking the first time that an Irish team is competing at the tournament.
Last week, Minister Catherine Martin and I announced additional programme funding of up to €500,000 to support women’s and girls’ football. This funding will be provided to the FAI through Sport Ireland and will be invested primarily in the areas of coaching, grassroots and female leadership.
This funding is additional to the funding already provided to the FAI for the development of women's and girls football under the Field Sports Programme and the Women in Sport Programme.
I have asked Sport Ireland to engage with the FAI on this additional investment and the full details will be finalised by them over the coming weeks.
This significant investment will help to ensure the further development of women’s and girls football in Ireland and is a fitting legacy of the Irish Women’s National Team’s qualification for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The Irish team is inspiring females around the country to become involved in football and in sport generally and I wish them every success as they prepare for their opening match against Australia next week.
