Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I am speaking today on behalf of the Wade family in my constituency. They had great success in the European kickboxing championships in Italy last year. The three Wade siblings, three unique young people, are Abbie, who is 13 years old and won two bronze medals; Ryan, who is 16 years old and won one bronze medal; and Amy, who won two gold medals and was named as the fighter of the tournament. They represented their country with pride and distinction against other national teams from across Europe and around the world. However, unlike those other national teams, the Wades and others like them representing Ireland in martial arts championships did not receive any support from the State even as they donned the green jersey on behalf of the country and represented it in a sport they love. Teams from other countries receive that support. In that context, it is important for the Government to consider how we incentivise and encourage elite performance at juvenile level in the lesser recognised sports. I encourage the Minister to take up the matter with the Minister for sport.

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