Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. A number of athletes have indicated to me that Sport Ireland has issued a decree that if certain athletes travel abroad to take part in competition, which they need to do in preparation for the Olympic Games next year, they will be penalised and some of their funding will be withdrawn. Can the Minister of State provide a clarification that this is, in fact, not the case? Looking at it from an Olympian's perspective, Rob Heffernan has highlighted the situation of a number of athletes who hope to compete next year in the Olympic Games

They see that they cannot compete in their own country with really good facilities and yet we have these elite athletes looking on at 17 and 19-year-olds who are able to play a contact sport and these athletes are excluded. It seems unfair and is something that needs to be addressed and should be as a matter of urgency. More sports should be included in the new provisions. The Minister of State mentioned engagement with the governing bodies but all governing bodies need to be involved, not just the big three, the GAA, soccer and rugby. It is important that everybody is involved and that all sports are treated equally.

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