Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My question relates to the commitment in respect of disabilities in the programme for Government and is directed to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Minister of State with responsibility for disability. Why have their Departments not taken a more proactive role in supporting Youghal woman Sinéad Kane to compete in the world championship ultra-running event in France this month. Sinéad has completed seven marathons in seven days despite being visually impaired but because she requires a guide runner, she has been excluded from competing in the world championships because she has a disability. I wrote to the Minister and the Minister of State but did not receive a reply. Will they meet with Sinéad Kane to try to resolve this issue? Will they write to Athletics Ireland to request that it to be more proactive in supporting Irish runners, regardless of whether they are disabled?

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