Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very happy to be here at the committee. It is my second time to attend. I am not a member and I am here to deputise for Deputy John Paul Phelan. I keep an eye on the work of the committee, which is very valuable. The engagement I have listened to this morning is extremely valuable. I certainly look forward to what the committee will do on the recommendations, particularly in the area Ms Conway has spoken about. There is a major problem in terms of people who happen to be artists losing State supports if they get a short-term contract. I look forward to seeing what the committee's recommendations on this will be. I acknowledge this and the importance of the work the committee has to do on coming up with a recommendation and, hopefully, looking at international best practice. There is absolutely no reason we cannot set international best practice by coming up with a set of proposals that can overcome this problem. Clearly we want people to be creative and to nurture, develop and achieve in their creative space.

Ms Daffy has presented very well here today. I am a member of the board of directors of the Cara organisation. I am very proud of the work it does in supporting, advocating and encouraging sport organisations to be more inclusive, more open, more accommodating and more supportive of people with disabilities living active lives, feeling included, getting and being involved and being facilitated in getting involved. I have a question for Ms Daffy. I listened to her contribution and reflected on the national development plan announced on Monday in Cork. There is €65 million additional funding for sport. Many clubs throughout the country are excellent in their initiatives and in what they do to make themselves accessible. Others are not so good. I would like to hear Ms Daffy's views on whether the Government should increase the requirements for clubs that receive State funding, be it through sports capital grants or other forms of State supports. Should they engage in accessible training, such as access training, and making their facilities open and accessible physically and in terms of membership? Should this be a requirement of a club to get State funding? It is amazing how blocking funding opens doors.