Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Committee on Disability Matters

Participation in Community Life for Persons with Disabilities: Discussion

2:00 am

Ms Louise Keane:

I mentioned previously that we are currently developing a coaching award in line with our all-star programme. It will educate coaches and those who are co-ordinating the programme. It will also give a structure to setting up the programme so that we grow it across our whole club base. The Deputy mentioned the sensory room, and we have seen many clubs that are doing the all-star programme take the initiative to create a sensory room or garden close to where they are running the all-star programme. I was at the launch of one in Blessington recently. It is something that is coming quite naturally through our club base. It is something of which we are very conscious.

Part of our strategy will be around visibility. The Deputy mentioned the awareness piece, which is incredibly important, as is making sure that we have case studies available to show clubs best practice and help them to do those things within their clubs.