We all hoped to be making these statements while looking forward to Ireland being in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Unfortunately, despite the heroics of the boys in green, they fell just short. However, to give credit to them, their coaches and especially their fans, the journey gripped the nation and has enthused thousands, especially young boys and girls. I am hopeful that their efforts will be the catalyst for another rejuvenation of Irish football. In recent years, there has been tremendous growth in the number of women and girls participating in football. A lot of credit for this has to go to the women's national team. In recent years, they have given us tremendous highs with their World Cup journey and while the current European qualifiers may not be going as well as they or we had hoped, they remain incredible role models for aspiring young athletes across the island. The fact they have performed so well is even more impressive considering how underfunded and neglected football has been in the State for years. The biggest problem we face is the lack of infrastructure and facilities and until we address this, we will be on a hiding to nothing. Many sports grounds are not fit for purpose. For instance, many still do not have changing rooms for women players, basic stuff. Supporting grassroots football is important for integration and cohesion. In working class areas I represent across Limerick, clubs such as Ballynanty Rovers, of which I am a lifetime member, Geraldines AFC, Star Rovers, Moyross United and many others offer a hub of community activity. It is the volunteer men and women coaches, groundspeople and unsung committee members who keep our local leagues thriving. However, if local clubs are to continue to develop the champions of tomorrow, they need support today. If we want to develop our homegrown talent, we must invest more in football academies. The Government has left football academies short by allocating €3 million instead of the €4.5 million requested. More investment is needed. Government party manifestos and that of Sinn Féin commit to increasing betting tax by 1% and this should be put into large-scale sports infrastructure. Before I conclude, in the short time available to me, it would be remiss of me not to mention my local team, Treaty United. It has done incredible work over the years promoting the sport in Limerick. The women's and men's academies continue to attract promising talent. Many have ended up in the Irish team. While the results for the men's team have not gone our way yet this year, I have no doubt that under the leadership of Tommy Barrett, the boys can turn it around. The women's team have started well this year and their 3-2 win over Cliftonville has pushed them right up the table. Irish football has solid foundations. Our national team have reignited our passion for the game-----

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-----but we must do much better and that improvement will require investment and State support.

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Likewise.

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