Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I thank the Minister. We have some good facilities and the Minister appears to be very happy with them. We both agree that we would like to have betterones.

Boxing has been our greatest success over the years in terms of Olympic medals. Our boxers bring home medals. Yet it is one of the least well supported sports in the country in terms of resources; it must be acknowledged that this is probably because of the work of amateurs and volunteers, particularly the latter. I have been in boxing clubs in my own constituency where they have to put up the ring, take it down, hoosh it into a corner and then put it up again when the boxers need to train. There are sports that are neglected but these are the ones that bring the greatest kudos in terms of Olympic medals. Perhaps we should spread the largesse and see how the sports in which we may be more successful can be better supported.

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