Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, said yesterday evening, the Bill brings responsibility for the implementation of Irish sports under one single agency, which I welcome. With the merging of the two bodies as part of the Government programme for rationalisation of State agencies it makes sense to have one unified body responsible for all sports and sports activities. This new body will look after the development and management of sporting facilities and will implement a high-performance programme and general participation in sport.

I welcome last week's great news that Ireland is to host some of the Euro 2020 games, which is very positive for the tourism and sporting sector here. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, on helping to bring this event to Ireland. I also commend the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on its support of sport in Ireland, particularly through the sports capital grants, which the Government reinstated in 2012. I was delighted to learn that seven clubs in my area received funding of more than €382,000.

Last year we were very proud that our international athletes won over 67 medals in international competition at junior and elite levels. Our recent success at the Paralympic Games and the Special Olympics shows that nothing can stand in the way when one comes to competing at international level. I agree with the Minister of State that sport is a very important element of the lives of Irish people, both socially and from a health perspective. Sport plays an important role in young people's development. Not only does it enable young people to get fit and learn new skills, but it also helps them to become team players and interact with their peers. It encourages healthy competition and sportsmanship, and respect for the opponent. It also encourages leadership skills and helps young people to grow in confidence.

I hope sport Ireland will also play an important role in supporting our sporting clubs and organisations throughout the community. Sport is the glue that holds communities together. On a personal level, from a young age I was involved in sport - in soccer, running, basketball and long jump. I had the proud privilege to play soccer locally and play in the national league. Crucial for me, as a young person, was the Community Games. Being involved in the Community Games played a huge part in encouraging me and many other young people to get involved in sport and to continue their love of sport through the years. Sadly in some communities the Community Games is no longer functioning as it did in the past, which is a shame because it has helped young people who normally did not have the opportunity to be involved in other sports to come along and take part.

While physical education in schools may not be in the Minister of State's jurisdiction, it is important to mention it. I come from an area with two schools that do not even have a gym. One of the class teachers goes in and performs the PE class, which is a terrible shame. We are always trying to encourage young people to take exercise and particularly with the younger age group because of obesity and things like that. It is a shame to think that in this day and age certain schools do not have that facility.

I wish to deal with drugs in sports. I commend all those who participate in sports and do not use drugs. It is sad that some people who participate in sport use drugs occasionally because it undermines the whole ethos of sport, which is about living a healthy lifestyle and being involved.

I commend the Bill to the House, which represents a very important step. It is very important to unite groups to work together, not just for communities but also for national sports.

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