Children should be given €130 each year to spend on sports and arts activities, Sinn Féin has said.

A new proposal from the party would see every child aged between four and 14 years old handed an ‘activity card’ loaded with funds they can spend on sports or arts activities.

Sinn Féin sports spokesman Chris Andrews believes the €127 million proposal could bring real benefits in terms of community development, education, health and wellbeing.

On Newstalk Breakfast he said Ireland has one of the lowest levels of sports investment in Europe and the idea is based on the success of a similar model in Iceland.

“The scheme would provide parents of school-going children with an activity card valued at €130, which could be redeemed for sports clubs, leisure activities, or cultural activities,” he said.

“The scheme would provide parents of school-going children with an activity card valued at €130, which could be redeemed for sports clubs, leisure activities, or cultural activities,” he said.

“There is traditionally a falloff in engagement with extra-curricular activities after the age of nine, so this card would encourage young children to continue participating in sporting and cultural activities - whether it’s football, dance, or music lessons.”

Children winning a trophy for a competition. Image: Yuri Arcurs / Alamy Stock Photo

The Dublin Bay South TD said there are ways to ensure the allocated funds would not be spent at 'for-profit' institutions.

“There would be an online register, and [the club] would have to be aligned with a particular NGB (National Governing Body) and demonstrate good corporate governance,” he said.

“There’s always a risk of attempts to circumvent a good idea, but I believe this activity card would be welcomed, especially given that Ireland has the lowest level of investment in sport among our European counterparts.

“It would be an investment rather than a cost, and it’s something that has been successful in Iceland, with similar models working well in other countries.”

Membership costs

Deputy Andrews said that children and parents could decide together how best to spend the money.

“The idea originally came from Keith O'Brien at Cambridge Football Club in Ringsend, who told me that many young people in his area struggle to afford membership,” he said.

“There's a significant drop-off in young children playing sports because they can't afford the fees that clubs need to charge to operate.

“He said we need something like this, and after looking at best practices across Europe, we believe this proposal would be very well-received by sports clubs.

“It will benefit them too, so I think it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Ireland’s total sports budget for 2024 is €183.337 million.

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Main image: A group of young children at a football match. Image: m@t.d / Alamy Stock Photo