Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The NCCA process I mentioned is independent. I encourage people who are interested to engage with it. It would be great to see golf as fully part of the leaving certificate. We will host the Ryder Cup in 2027. Significant Government funding is going towards that. As well as the tourism and economic benefits of these events, I am very keen that there be a sporting participation benefit as well. I have met with golf clubs and Golf Ireland, and have tried to encourage them to get more involved with schools. I was very encouraged by the situation in Youghal, in the Deputy's constituency, when I visited. I have been telling people about the situation there where the golf club works very closely with the school to try to get young people to take up the sport. I welcome that and have been telling people throughout the country about that initiative. I want to see more of that. The Department of Education is very keen on that as well.

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