Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Mulvey and Mr. Treacy for presenting to the committee.

Picking up on Deputy Dillon's comments regarding returning to play, in level 5 there was not a major issue in respect of sports and playing protocols because no one was allowed to play. That was quite frustrating for groups and clubs. In level 3, however, I remember there was a great deal of unhappiness. I refer to inconsistencies and the rationale for restrictions not being explained to people and clubs. I do not think the communication was great. Competitive tennis, for example, was not allowed, but the same people could play recreational tennis. Basketball players could not throw a basketball to each other, but GAA players, whether footballers, hurlers or camogie players, could pass a ball to each other. There were, therefore, many inconsistencies in that regard.

In Ringsend, for example, St. Patrick's CYFC, is a club that has men and women playing. Some of the dual GAA and soccer players, in particular the women, could not play soccer on Saturday but they could play GAA on a Sunday for Clanna Gael Fontenoy. That was great and it was good for them, but there was that inconsistency and it needs to be addressed. Mention was also made that there were representatives from GAA and soccer on the return to sport expert group. In order to inform that expert group a bit more, will Sport Ireland support and acknowledge the benefits and insights to be derived from having two other sports, perhaps non-contact sports, one indoor and one outdoor, represented on that body to help inform the decisions that will be made and then to communicate them better to a wider group of sporting participants?