Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish everybody a good morning. I thank Dr. May for her contribution so far. It is quite enlightening. I would be very interested to know the science and research behind the drop-off in all-girls schools, just to see if there is anything we can do as representatives. I visit a lot of all-girls schools in my capacity as a politician to encourage and enlighten them about politics. I would be in interested to have a chat about that.

Dr. May said earlier that while Sport Ireland does not develop policy, it advises on inclusivity as it relates to sports capital funding. Sport Ireland has a role to play in advising on inclusivity with regard to disability and so on. To what extent is that done? I will explain why, rather than go back. I visit the sports complexes, which are applying for grants. The grounds outside are never taken into account in terms of putting in the roadway or filling potholes. You can get to the infrastructure inside the building in a wheelchair. When you get inside it is perfectly accessible. However, the pathway to it is not. I have seen it. Clubs are not able to raise funds at this point, because a lot of the time people are pretty much strapped to even pay for the petrol to get there. I ask Dr. May to take that on board. Maybe it has been considered, but I think we need a little more input from the sports capital fund. This is such an important area. I see sport in rural Ireland as virtually mental health therapy. Dr. May might mention that and ask them to be cognisant of it. I do not know if she can do that or if she has that kind of remit, but I think it is important.