To ask the Minister for Communities, further to the announcement of a 35 million euro package to aid Irish sports clubs with energy costs this winter, what support is being made available by the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK Government to aid sports clubs in Northern Ireland with the rise in energy costs.

The cost-of-living crisis is having major impact, particularly on those who are already struggling financially.

I am deeply frustrated that the continued absence of a functioning Executive and agreed Executive budget prevents additional measures being introduced.

My Department will do all it can to support those experiencing hardship, and all options are being explored to provide both immediate and medium to longer term interventions.

Details of current funding opportunities available from Sport NI can be found on its website Sport NI – Funding (www.sportni.net/funding/). Additionally, details of Government Grants paid to the Voluntary and Community Sector are accessible via the Government Funding Database (https://govfunding.nics.gov.uk).