Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government is very clear in its aims for equality and it also sets out strong ambitions on increasing participation in sport, including the prioritising of increasing female participation. Women’s rugby has experienced a turbulent time recently. Last week, Ballincollig Rugby Football Club outlined its shock and disappointment that the steps to grant the club All-Ireland League, AIL, senior club status was stopped at the Munster AGM. The club has outlined very understandable frustration and disappointment that equality is still something that needs to be fought for and that not all Munster rugby players are considered equal. The rules at the moment mean that one club out of the 60 AIL clubs does not have senior status. The reason for that is down to the gender of the players on the team. Is the Tánaiste aware of this situation and can engagement take place with the rugby authorities to ensure that all players are considered equal and that whatever rules need to be changed will be changed?

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