Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the Minister and the Minister of State. My first question is for the Minister of State. It is on the importance of the role the Government plays in sports programmes and how it contributes to a healthier and more active society. It was mentioned earlier that promoting sports participation is a key priority and that the Department is collaborating with the Department of Education. Will the Minister of State expand on the work that is being undertaken in that regard? We are all aware that students and children are probably less active in the school environment due to the curriculum that is currently in place. The number of hours being allocated to sporting activities certainly needs to be revisited. I would like to get the Minister of State's comments on this topic.