Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have not read the book yet but I have read many of the articles associated with it. The Deputy is correct in how the funding allocation occurred over many years. To be clear, we will engage seriously with the FAI and Sport Ireland on this. We have seen leadership across many other associations.

The programme for Government is specific around targets. The national sports policy asks all national governing bodies to set gender diversity targets and to develop equality action plans. Support will be provided for dedicated leadership training programmes for women, including governance and technical training.

Sport Ireland is monitoring the progress and reports on it annually. In the context of the overall women's programme from 2005 to date, €20 million has been invested through the national governing bodies and local sports partnerships. The recently published Irish sports monitor shows the gender gap in participation continues to decline from 4.5% at the end of 2017 to 3.4% in the 2019 report.

The Deputy is correct in his summation and reflection on what is happening internationally. We should show leadership in an Irish footballing context. We will be seriously engaging with that. With the 2020 campaigns, we will meet broader equality targets in sport.

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