Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I am not sure what that response was telling me. As the Minister knows, the sports inclusion disability officers work through the local sports partnerships. The dormant account funding from last year amounted to €1.3 million while it is €300,000 this year. Clearly, there is significant shortfall of €1 million.

Approximately 5,000 people were able to participate in sport for the first time through the partnerships on foot of the work of the sports inclusion disability officers. The latter were doing outstanding work. People who were very isolated were afforded an opportunity to participate in sport. From health and social perspectives, such people probably benefit more from participation in sport than the able-bodied. It was wonderful to be able to expose them to sport for the first time. To withdraw the programme would be a real tragedy.

Will the €1 million be made up by the Irish Sports Council or the Department? Will it be made up in full?

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