To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for an update on the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer; and (ii) what steps she is taking to expedite this programme.

You will be aware that the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer is a commitment in the New Decade New Approach agreement.

I believe that this Programme provides a real opportunity to contribute to wider Executive priorities and address a range of social, economic and cultural needs along with the needs of the soccer family.

Owing to the passage of time since the Public Consultation initiated in late 2015, I considered it essential to instruct my Department’s officials to complete a ‘Refresh and Re-engagement’ exercise. This exercise was key to provide robust evidence on changes within the soccer landscape and to identify both the current and future needs for the sport.

I am actively considering the outcomes of this exercise, along with the benchmarking and research information and when I am satisfied that the needs for soccer have been clearly identified I will bring my recommendations to the Executive.