I thank the Deputy for his question. While I have not met with Basketball Ireland over the past six months, I did meet with it in April for an introductory meeting regarding its development and other plans. I understand the question relates to playing of matches against Israel. In this regard, the draw for the 2027 Women's Euro Basket qualification group which placed Ireland in a group with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel and Luxembourg took place in July. I spoke on the phone to the CEO of Basketball Ireland who updated me on that at that point. Of course, it is important to make clear, as I would have outlined at that stage as well, that the Government and Sport Ireland have no role in determining the participation by national governing bodies of sport in international competitions organised by international sporting federations. National governing bodies of sport, NGBs, and international sporting federations, the International Basketball Federation, FIBA, in the case of basketball, are independent, autonomous bodies responsible for the governance of their own sports, including the organisation of sporting fixtures. Regarding the topic of athlete safeguarding, Sport Ireland works with NGBs to ensure that appropriate policies are put in place to take a proactive approach to safeguarding by identifying and mitigating risks to athlete welfare. It also works with NGBs to ensure mechanisms are in place to appropriately deal with matters that may arise. On a wider note, I can say that Ireland welcomes the agreement on the first phase of the 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza. The first phase of the plan, the ceasefire and hostage release agreement, is an important step on a road to peace. Our immediate focus must be on ensuring humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza at scale. Ireland stands ready to play its part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine through the implementation of the two-state solution.
Sentiment score: 0.37
As was outlined in my response, it is a matter for the national governing bodies and international sporting organisations to make their own decisions in this regard. From the point of view of the Government, it does not have a role in any individual sporting organisation's decisions. However, when it comes to the issue of Gaza, the Government has led out internationally and has taken a very strong and forthright line and approach regarding the war and the destruction that happened in Gaza. As well as seeking an outcome that will deliver peace, the Government was very much to the fore in leading out on recognising Palestine as a state, which many other states subsequently have done, and also in pursuing the occupied territories Bill, which a number of other states have now indicated they will follow. That is the approach the State has taken in relation to the war in Palestine. Regarding sporting organisations and their decisions to participate or otherwise in international competitions, that is entirely a matter for them.
Sentiment score: -0.06
As a Government, Ireland has taken a very strong line in leading out and opposing what was happening in Gaza. I have already outlined that. However, the matter of participating in international competitions or otherwise is a matter for sporting organisations. That has always been the case and that will remain the case. It is not appropriate for the Government to get involved in an independent organisation's decision in that regard. That is the approach the Government will continue to take. I know the match took place in Riga, Latvia. Basketball Ireland had engaged with the international body given the fact it felt it was not safe for the match to take place in Israel given the backdrop. The match took place and the Irish team acquitted itself very well in that competition. It went to extra time and the team lost. However, the decision to participate or otherwise is entirely a matter for the national governing body.
Sentiment score: 0.09
Euro 2028 is a really exciting opportunity for Ireland to co-host, along with England, Scotland and Wales, an internationally important soccer championship. We will host seven games in the competition, including a quarter-final. The Government will invest just over €92.9 million in supporting the event. It is anticipated the tournament will generate €449 million of socioeconomic benefits for the country. The main elements of the expected expenditure include funding for stadium costs, safety and security, including Garda costs, transport, fan zones, Dublin City Council costs, sustainability investment and legacy programmes. The funding will be delivered through my Department, other Departments, Dublin City Council and relevant agencies. Furthermore, €6.2 million of our overall investment is ring-fenced for legacy initiatives and Ireland's national plan in this regard, which is being developed in consultation with the FAI. The legacy plan will focus on initiatives to increase participation and aims to ensure every child, regardless of background, gender or ability, can participate in football. The expenditure of €93 million is made up of: €7.7 million for the Aviva Stadium upgrade and overlay; €2.1 million for central administration, transport and mobility; €5.7 million for fan zones; €10.6 million for other costs; €6.3 million for Dublin City Council costs; €37 million for safety and security; €6 million for the legacy programme; and €7.5 million for a general programme-level contingency. I can provide the Deputy with a breakdown of other, smaller items of expenditure.
Sentiment score: 0.40
I take this opportunity to congratulate the Irish soccer team on its wonderful performance last Sunday and on the Thursday before that. Football has given us some of our best national memories over the years. The recent matches, particularly the one on Sunday, provided, once again, wonderful national moments that brought the whole country together and brought great energy and excitement. I wish the team well in the draw taking place this afternoon for the play-offs that will be held in March. I congratulate, in particular, Troy Parrott, who gave a performance for the ages. Scoring five goals over two games is absolutely exceptional and a great credit to him. Credit also goes to the wider team for coming together, to Heimir Hallgrímsson for his leadership and to the FAI as well. We look forward to the excitement in the months ahead as we build up to the play-offs. I also congratulate our neighbours in Scotland. I did not think the end of Ireland's match on Sunday could be topped but, by God, it was some finish to the Scottish game. I congratulate the Scottish players on their qualification. I take Deputy O Snodaigh's point. We have €6 million for the legacy plan and we want to make sure it has an impact and improves participation. That certainly is our objective.
Sentiment score: 0.55
I will be looking to see how we can maximise the benefit across the country. Young Troy Parrott is a wonderful example of the quality of young players we have in this country. That is something the Government is backing. As the Deputy knows, we stepped up very significantly in the recent budget by allocating €3 million to the development of football academies for the year ahead. We want to build on that. We recognise the changed circumstances post Brexit and the importance of making sure young players have the opportunity to maximise their potential within the country. We see the benefit of having those young players in the League of Ireland. We are seeing a renaissance and a flourishing in the League of Ireland, with some of those wonderful young players starring in that. We want to ensure that as many young people as possible have every opportunity through the academy system. The Government is committed to doing that.
Sentiment score: 0.39
We have made a massive start and it has been very much welcomed within the footballing community. We look forward to seeing it reap benefits in the time ahead.
Sentiment score: 0.39