Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have one last point, if that is okay, for Dr. May on sports and the inclusion of women in sport, making it easier for and encouraging women to participate in sport. I have to bring an individual case to Dr. May and I know she will not mind me doing so. One of the best freestyle kayakers on the planet is named Anaïs O'Donovan and she is from west Cork. In the past three or four years, she has gone from a novice to one of the best freestyle kayakers on the planet. She has qualified at the top of the Irish qualifiers to represent Ireland in the freestyle kayaking world championships, which are taking place in Georgia, USA in October. However, because freestyle kayaking is not yet an Olympic sport, she is struggling - as is any Irish freestyle kayaker - to get access to funding support and even just advice on where she can go to get funding for her incredible journey to becoming one of the best freestyle kayakers in the world. Check out her stuff on YouTube. What she can do in a little boat is unbelievable. It is essentially gymnastics on whitewater rapids. I would ask Dr. May to look into Ms O’Donovan’s case - her application and appeal for funding. It would be such a shame if someone who has already been used in many campaigns for inclusion of females in sport - her face is being used front and centre - is not supported when she comes looking for something herself. I would like Dr. May to look into that. I had to use this opportunity to bring up her situation.