David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Irish Sports Council defines sport as all forms of physical activity, which through casual or organised participation aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels.

We must be careful that we do not make sport too competitive at a young age which may lead to youngsters being excluded from sport if they are seen not to be good at it. It has been noted that some youngsters might not be good at a certain age but peak later at 18, 19 or 20. There is a sport for every age in life. Other Members spoke about sports for those with disabilities and we must ensure services are provided in this regard.

There is a concern that young people give up sport when they are doing the leaving certificate because of perceived pressures from academia, as well as the need to get good results and spend time studying. My experience as a teacher indicates that young people involved in sport also do well in their academic studies because sport acts as a catalyst to give them more energy, interest and to be more positive in their outlook. I would like to see some form of credits at leaving certificate level for young people involved in physical activity to encourage more participation in sports. I know the Gaisce awards are in place.

We must balance the academic pressure faced by students at leaving certificate level in particular. Everyone should be involved in some form of sport and if young people are involved in sport at some level perhaps we could consider giving them credit or points towards the leaving certificate. Education is about the whole person and we now know that physical activity is a very important part of preparing for life, which is the purpose of education.

I spoke yesterday about alcohol and the below-cost sale of it. Reference was made to the positive role of sport as a deterrent from use and abuse of alcohol. Other studies indicate it also has a beneficial effect in terms of leading people away from delinquency and crime.

I also raised the need to expand the swimming pool programme. The economic value of sport is interesting. In 2008 an Indecon study concluded that Irish households spent more than €1.8 billion on sporting activities and that sport brings in more than €200 million into the economy per year. The volunteer element of sport, which is very important, is valued at between €322 million and €582 million annually.

Sports partnerships operate all over the country. They were established by the Irish Sports Council. They are very important and do a very good job. They bring sport to the most local level possible. The Minister of State should be aware they probably need more support in terms of resources and focus in the work they do. I would like to see mechanisms put in place whereby encouragement is provided for the formation of clubs for minority sports such as badminton and table tennis. Such sports cost very little and local sports partnerships could be funded in order to provide funding for a badminton club or basketball club to start up. All that is required is a few nets and some rackets. Small amounts of money could help get clubs started. They might also need help with the rental of premises but once they start up they would form a dynamic of their own. We should devise a programme to promote that aim. Doping is addressed in the Bill, which is very important to preserve the integrity of Irish sport. I commend the Bill to the House.

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