Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank members for their contributions. Before the Minister responds, I will make a few points. I welcome the significant funding that is being provided for sport in this programme, which is important. The key point we must never forget is the health gain for people, particularly those who do not participate in sport throughout their lives. That is a major gain, bringing increased longevity, the avoidance of heart disease and other issues. The core of our public health policy should be about giving everybody an equal chance to live to the best of their ability.

I agree with Deputy Munster's comments on disadvantaged areas and allocating a significant portion of funding to them. It was mentioned in the document. We need that positive discrimination. I support the sports at the top, including GAA, soccer and rugby, but few people have the potential to get to the top. It is important to place an even greater emphasis on inclusivity and people getting involved as young as possible. This takes in the facilities they use. John and Mary going to primary school would know about the activities mentioned by the Minister of State, Deputy Griffin, including a two-mile run. It is a good idea and those kinds of activities are important in the development of a healthier population.

Another question relates to older people.

As people age, they sometimes get grey hair but their brains do not atrophy. Certainly, their bodies get slower. While it is mentioned in the national sports strategy, we need a greater awareness of the need to include older people who will not be as involved in soccer, Gaelic and rugby as they were. We need a proactive policy. Ideas like a park run or walk are good. It could be 2 km or 5 km. We need to think about it in connection with the Department of Health and Sport Ireland to ensure there is a greater emphasis on the inclusion of older people and on activities they can easily get involved in. I would welcome that. I do not know about Deputy Munster, but I have to leave at approximately 2.40 p.m. to deal with a Topical Issue matter in the Dáil. I will ask Deputy O'Keeffe to take the Chair if we are not finished by then.