§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what support Her Majesty's Government intends to provide for football clubs in Northern Ireland to enable them to meet the standards demanded by health and safety legislation. [56341]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyFunds are currently available to football clubs in Northern Ireland through the Sport Lottery Fund, administered by the Sports Council, to assist them to meet the standards demanded by health and safety legislation. The Government plan to introduce new legislation to improve safety standards at sports grounds in Northern Ireland and are currently considering the financial implications for clubs.