Sports Funding
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-24
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Mark Duffy (FG), Labour Panel

I welcome the Minister of State. The immigrant investment programme, IIP, was launched in 2012. This programme benefited organisations and communities across the country to the tune of €1.25 billion following its introduction. It was closed in 2023. I understand that there are a range of issues pertaining to the closure and winding down of the scheme. We have seen a real impact on investment in County Mayo in particular. Westport United received €2.8 million in 2023.
As the Minister of State will be well aware, Islandeady GAA received €3.6 million, while Knockmore GAA received €2 million. These are substantial investments in sporting organisations, at a level and scale that no other State agency or body can match. It is really transformative for sports organisations and clubs.
I understand that there have been issues in terms of certain loopholes that may have been exploited. It is fair to highlight that, but what I am calling for is the reintroduction of the scheme in a way that benefits sports clubs and organisations and would not expose Ireland or allow loopholes for bad-faith actors. If we are smart in our policymaking and legislation, we can achieve that, but it requires political will to make it happen.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-24/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:06+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-24