Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. This is a matter for Munster Rugby and the IRFU, as the national governing body, but I would ask them both to reflect on the decision they have made in respect of this matter and to review it. Neither the Government nor the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media have any role in this. It is important that we respect the autonomy of national governing bodies to run their sports. However, equality in sport is Government policy. Ministers want to achieve a sporting landscape where women have an equal opportunity to achieve their potential, while enjoying lifelong involvement in sport. With that in mind and while respecting their autonomy, we ask both Munster Rugby and the IRFU to think again.

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