The Deputy made a good general point about making sure that there is absolute equality in the treatment of women and girls playing all sports. When he was Minister of State with responsibility for sport, Deputy Chambers took initiatives on that and the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, is going to address it through grant schemes and so on in the future. The participation in the World Cup by the Irish women’s soccer team is an opportunity and a watershed moment to encourage further participation among young girls and women in sport and particularly in soccer. We look forward to the World Cup with great anticipation.

See this speech in context