Ms Catherine Carty:

With regard to the inclusive agenda the Deputy referred to, Ireland holds the UNESCO chair that has global responsibility for implementing UNESCO's inclusive policy actions in sport. Since the sustainable development goals came on the scene in 2015 we have been very engaged and involved with UNESCO on the agenda of no one being left behind. This has been a policy priority throughout UNESCO, the WHO and in other areas. The Irish Pavilion at the World Expo hosted an event on this topic in January during sustainable development goals week. We brought together all of the global stakeholders in this, including UEFA, UN agencies and other multilateral organisations and those involved in sport and sport development, to advance the agenda. It was probably the most collective meeting of this group of experts. It very much defined where UNESCO and other lead agencies globally believe this should be taken.

Ireland is well positioned. We have been on this agenda for a number of years. We have a very strong international reputation on inclusive policy actions and their implementation at a policy level and with regard to building grassroots capacity, including to address the needs of volunteers as was mentioned earlier. We are very strong on this. The national policy objectives very much align with this in terms of the inclusive agenda, monitoring, the unique framework, the unique partnerships and bringing in other stakeholders beyond sport into the agenda. We are very well positioned to deliver.

The international activity that has taken place with an Irish stamp on it has been very well recognised abroad and has been a great opportunity.

Mr. McGroarty and Ms Mortell have given examples of how that has been implemented nationally. As we look for new financial instruments, this is one that can give assurance. At a Government level, it is almost zero risk. It is an appealing area. We lead the inclusive policy actions from a global perspective and this is a good opportunity for us.