Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In regard to people taking part in sports, I published a report last week for the Sports Council. I am delighted to say more people are taking part in sports. Some 15% of the population does not take part in any sport in this country, an area which I will target in conjunction with the local sports partnership company to determine how we can encourage people to take part.

As I said in my reply, I am very anxious about disadvantaged areas. The Deputy referred to volunteers. This is the year of the volunteer and, but for them, we in this country would not have many of the facilities, organisations and people taking part in sports. I thank them for their time and effort. I was in Athens last week. More than 200 young people travelled there on their own time as volunteers. They gave of their time, holidays and travel to support and help athletes. I thank them on behalf of the Government for the effort and time they give to voluntarism in this country.

My priority as Minister of State is to ensure women, people in disadvantaged areas and those with disabilities get every possible opportunity. I was delighted to see 4,500 women taking part in a mini-marathon in my county of Mayo. I hope it happens in every county. If one gets women involved, children will become involved. We should try to make it easier for people to become involved. I compliment the GAA, the FAI and the IRFU on reducing their prices recently to allow families to take part in sport.

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