Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. We are working very closely with the national governing bodies and the Federation of Irish Sport on the sports recovery action plan. We have approached the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to discuss the support that we know is needed for Irish sport, at the level of national organisations and in regard to local clubs that are at risk. We are working on that.

Furthermore, I am very keen to ensure that the sports leadership group we established as part of the national sports policy effort plays a significant role in implementing the sports recovery action plan. No decisions have been made on the make-up of that group, but there is already an excellent resource there. That role could evolve into leading the recovery. An approach based on consensus between all the key players is of great importance to Irish sport. Thankfully, there has been a very harmonious relationship between the key stakeholders in Irish sport for some time now and a lot of good work has been done.

I will get an update for the Deputy on the progress of the national sports policy 2018-2027. The Covid-19 crisis has thrown up questions about whether that policy needs to be tweaked. One very interesting element has emerged from this period. We set a target whereby 50% of the population would regularly participate in sport or physical activity by 2027. That figure has now reached 51%, up from 43% in 2018. How can we harness the good habits that have developed in this time and change the novelty to the norm? There is an opportunity for us to build on the behavioural change we have seen during this crisis to the benefit of future participation in sports. Some elements of sports policy will have to be reconsidered, but I am keen for the sports leadership group to play a significant role in the future. Along with everything else included in the policy, other expertise may be needed to assist the sports leadership group in dealing with the business element of sport and the rebuilding of finances. I will try to get a written update for the Deputy as quickly as possible.

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