Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ireland is rated the third worst European Union member state for primary level physical education and the seventh worst at second level. Women show much lower activity levels and participation rates in sport than young men, with only 39% of the 16 to 25 female age cohort playing a sport compared to 63% of males in the same age group. We learned recently that significantly fewer women than men receive sports scholarships in third level institutions. This should serve as a reminder of the gap that exists between the sexes. Barely one in five sports scholars is a women. As such, significant work remains to be done. While I do not doubt the Minister of State's commitment, the issue is not always one of Government funding. A strategic approach is required to ensure funding is spent correctly and in a way that encourages initial and continued participation in sport by women and girls. The only way to achieve this is through leadership programmes and scholarships that help to increase participation.

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