Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Research has clearly shown the inequalities in structures and supports for women in sport. Quite simply, more investment will lead to more exposure and more success. As my maths teacher in school used to say, nothing succeeds like success. Seeing women athletes, and broadening the definition of what it is to be sporty so that more girls can feel they can participate and identify with it, is incredibly important. This massively increased funding through doubling the budget is very welcome from the Department and the Minister of State. I congratulate the Minister of State. Like my colleague, I would like more information on when local clubs and local initiatives will be able to see some of the money so they are able to invest it in young girls so that we do not have, as happens now, girls at the age of 13 saying they are not sporty and are not participating in sport. We need to address this and we need to change it.

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