Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
676. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if there are any funding schemes or grant assistance in his Department to assist a school (details supplied) to participate in the Under 17's ISF World Cup to be held in Suzhou, China in October 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9778/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Except for its High Performance International Carding Programme, Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for individual athletes or teams but channels the funding through its network of Local Sports Partnerships, recognised National Governing Bodies for sport (NGBs), and other relevant sporting organisations.
While Sport Ireland’s remit includes the allocation of funding to NGBs for the design and implementation of a range of targeted programmes and initiatives to promote increased sports participation, neither this Department, nor Sport Ireland, has responsibility for how NGBs manage and promote their respective sports. All NGBs are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own governance and operational procedures, including player development and support. Schools are advised to contact the relevant NGB, in this case, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), to ascertain if it can provide support for teams participating in international competitions.
There is no discretionary funding available to my Department through which financial assistance can be provided to individuals or teams participating in international sporting competitions.
My Department has no role in the provision of funding support for sports activities in schools.
