Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also raise the issue of the new restrictions announced by Sport Ireland in regard to basketball. It is a matter that has been brought to my attention by many constituents in Lucan and Clondalkin. The new regulations mean that only those who can present a valid Covid-19 certificate or proof of recovery from Covid can train or play matches indoors. That is regardless of whether a vaccine has been offered to their age cohort. The decision has blindsided many younger players and their coaches.

While I believe that vaccination is the best way to protect us from Covid-19, it is unfair to discriminate against children under 12 years old like this. They can go to school and to the cinema, they can go dancing or swimming and they can go to restaurants and many other places, so it is not fair to single out basketball and other indoor sports in this way. Will the Taoiseach ask Sport Ireland to reconsider these restrictions and allow everyone to play indoors?

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