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

On Friday, 10 December, the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and I received a letter from a group of current and former female international rugby players in which they highlight a number of concerns regarding the Irish Rugby Football Union, IRFU, and its ongoing reviews into the Rugby World Cup 2021 qualification campaign and the women in rugby action plan. We are of the view that it is extremely important that the issues that were raised are addressed to ensure there is a positive future for women's rugby in Ireland.

We met with a representative group of the players on Monday, 20 December, at which meeting the players outlined their concerns in detail. We also met separately with the IRFU on the same day and raised with it all of the players' concerns. With the agreement of the players, we asked Sport Ireland to engage with the players to provide assistance and guidance to progress the issues of concern. Sport Ireland met with the group of representative players on 23 December and again earlier this week. Sport Ireland is currently working with the players and the IRFU to address the issues. I am hopeful that this process will result in a positive outcome for women's rugby.

I am also pleased to note that the announcement made by the IRFU on 17 December confirms that it intends to fully publish the two independent reviews being undertaken. The next steps will now involve the players meeting directly with the IRFU following their meetings with Sport Ireland. Sport Ireland will engage further in this process.

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