Dáil debates

Tuesday, 21 February 2023

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions

Sport and Recreational Development

9:40 pm

Photo of Christopher O'SullivanChristopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When it comes to promoting inclusion of women in sport, we need to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. We have an inclusion of women in sport campaign, featuring many high-profile athletes. One of the athletes who has been front and centre of that campaign is a lady called Anaïs O'Donovan from west Cork. She is one of the best freestyle kayakers in the world. She just finished in the recent world championships, putting her in the top ten and what she can do on rapids is unbelievable. It is essentially gymnastics in a boat. I would encourage anyone to check out here Instagram or YouTube footage. However, because it is not an Olympic sport, she cannot access funding. Not only can she not access funding, she cannot get advice on how she can get funding. The world championships are coming up in Georgia this year and she is still uncertain as to whether she can compete. It would be a travesty if she could not go. I ask the Minister of State to do everything possible to help her out.

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