Full transcript:

Deputy Costello – I would like to start by indulging in some parochialism by congratulating St. Patrick’s Athletic on their win at the weekend in the FAI League Cup.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle – I ask the Deputy to focus on promised legislation.

Deputy Costello – I am getting there. What we saw at the weekend was a packed Aviva Stadium, which shows the potential of the League of Ireland. What we have, in reality, is a League of Ireland that is struggling day to day. What we need is meaningful support for the league. We need better facilities and investment in academies. Post-Brexit, young people who are looking to improve themselves and build a career in football can no longer access academies in the UK. We need to reform the unrealistic target of 30% matched funding for the sports capital grants, which many of these clubs and facilities cannot meet. What will the Government do to provide meaningful supports to the League of Ireland?