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

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an gceist seo. Although a developed and costed proposal has not been presented by the sector to my Department, the cost of introducing a leisure card as outlined by the Deputy could potentially involve a very significant level of Exchequer support. On the basis of a national scheme with coverage extending to all children and young adults in Ireland under the age of 25, currently totalling some 1,500,000 people, with a weekly subvention of just €10 per week or over €500 per annum, the total cost would be in the region of €750 million.

As the Deputy is aware, under the National Sports Policy 2018–2027 introduced in 2018 there is a target to double the level of State investment in sport from €111 million in 2017 to €220 million by the end of this policy.

As a result of the Government's strong commitment to the development of sport in recent years, we are well on track to achieve our investment targets. In budget 2023, a total allocation of €174.8 million has been made for sport, which will allow for increased availability of sporting opportunities next year for all ages, young and old alike. Additional resources have been allocated to Sport Ireland, the agency responsible for the development of sport in Ireland, which will permit improved budgetary resourcing of the governing bodies and local sports partnerships that deliver so much to families and children across the country.

In the area of the cultural activities provided by the State, visits to the national cultural institutions are free of charge to all, including children and young people. The institutions also continue to develop and expand on their learning and engagement activities for children and young people. Under the all-of-government Creative Ireland programme led by my Department, access is provided to children and young people to engage in free creative activities through its Creative Youth and Creative Communities pillars. For example, the flagship Cruinniú na nÓg provides free creative activities for children and young people nationwide in June every year.

Although the introduction of a national leisure card is not currently considered a feasible or realistic proposition in the circumstances outlined, either from the Exchequer perspective or due to the considerable complexities that would inevitably arise from the administration standpoint, it would be inappropriate to completely rule out its introduction in all circumstances. Future circumstances may allow for the adoption of such an approach, perhaps modified for particular sports, age ranges or population cohorts, and I would be open to considering specific proposals in that regard.

See this speech in context