Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2202. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the inability to pay player wages at clubs (details supplied) by the club owners and management; his plans to ensure player welfare and the integrity of the sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33546/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2206. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if League of Ireland football clubs that are encountering financial difficulties and have delayed payment of wages to professional footballers will be assisted to stay viable in view of the wide range of activities in the clubs, including underage, youth and women's soccer, that are at risk, particularly in Limerick and Bray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33572/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2202 and 2206 together.
Matters regarding the payment of players are the responsibility of the relevant clubs and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), as the National Governing Body for football. The FAI is an independent, autonomous body and I have no role in its operational matters.
Funding provided by Sport Ireland to the FAI is for the non-professional elements of the game. In 2017, Sport Ireland invested €2,565,410 in the FAI through the Field Sports Grant, €142,500 through the Women in Sport grant and €38,119 through the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Field Sports grant is broadly aimed at encouraging and creating more opportunities for young people to participate in football across Ireland. The Women in Sport programme grant aims to raise the overall physical activity levels among women and to support women’s roles within sports organisations. Dormant Accounts funding was directed towards Kick-start to Recovery, a mental health programme delivered by the FAI, the HSE Mental Health Service and with Sports Inclusion Disability Officers.
