Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim céad fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. Ba mhaith liom fáiltiú roimh an mBille seo, an Bille um Spórt Éireann 2014, agus le teacht le chéile an dá eagraíocht atá i gceist.

Sinn Féin broadly welcomes the Sport Ireland Bill 2014. The amalgamation of two or more organisations, as is the case with this Bill, presents the important challenge that jobs are not lost in the process. I am pleased that the Government has guaranteed in this Bill that no jobs are at risk.

Sinn Féin does not see any significant problems with the merger of the Irish Sports Council and the National Sports Campus Development Authority. This has been done in the case of other groups as we are currently dealing with the merger of the National Roads Authority and the Railway Procurement Agency and where a common interest and goal can be found, the combining of expertise and experience from both bodies can be positive. The problem often is that this is the result of a campaign for cost-saving measures. If that is the entire motivation, it can be problematic. In this case I do not see that being a problem. The functions currently fulfilled by both bodies will continue to be carried out efficiently and any overlap can be overcome.

Sport in Ireland is very important. It spans a number of issues. These include the maintenance and promotion of our heritage through Gaelic games and the development of community spirit, public health and national pride. Sport is also a field of business and the idea of sports tourism has become very popular. There are jobs in sports and investment as well.It is important that we do not commodify what is an important part of our social and community life but we cannot escape the wider commercialisation of sports or allow our sports people to suffer by rejecting that commercialism utterly.

An important role of the Minister of State is to promote sport for what it is, which is a natural part of human life which promotes health and socialisation. His role is also to ensure that Irish sports people and teams can compete on the world stage with pride and the hope of victory; that sports fans can come to Ireland and see top class sporting events in quality venues and that investment in local and national sporting endeavours are taken advantage of.

Sport is invaluable to our society. It benefits our mental and physical health and plays a very important role in social inclusion and integration. The field of sport is one that is naturally blind to colour, religion or sexual orientation. Although the influence of outside prejudice can creep in, sports can play a vital role in challenging these prejudices, something which is increasingly important in a more diverse Ireland.

Participation in sports can make a profound difference in the lives of excluded populations, including indigenous people, members of minority ethno-cultural groups, asylum-seekers and refugees, girls and women, people with disabilities, homeless people and young school leavers who are unemployed. Everyone who lives in extreme poverty suffers from exclusion. Initiatives such as Sport Against Racism Ireland and the midnight leagues clearly demonstrate the positive impact of using sport to tackle discrimination and racism. I applaud the co-operative efforts of the Garda, local authorities and the FAI, in areas like Ballymun and Ballyfermot. Sport must be a part of how we challenge social barriers and divides. Sport is also vital in healing the problems created in communities by austerity. It is not the solution, but through sport, communities can find a positive common cause. Women in sport are consistently under-appreciated, under-represented and under-rated in this State. This year's success of the Irish women's rugby and hockey teams is a testament to the skill and talent of our female players. However, their participation seems to be at the bottom of the priority list. Last year, match day expenses were cut for the women's international soccer team, yet retained for the men's team players. Katie Taylor is a fantastic role model for young women across this island yet the lack of media presence at her fights is noteworthy especially in comparison to male boxers. It is often the case that no television cameras and-or photographers are in sight when women are centre stage. That is a disgrace. A strategy is needed to tackle the under-funding and under-representation of women across many State bodies, from Sport Ireland to RTE, along with a grassroots investment in female participation in sport. I wish to note that TG4 is an exception and I refer to the work around peile na mban which is exceptional and for which I applaud it.

Sport is empowering and it must be used as a tool to close the gender equality gap that exists in society. Sinn Féin believes that all government bodies, institutions and initiatives should operate on an all-Ireland basis. We would like to see Sport Ireland prioritise and firmly implement a cross-Border approach when it comes to sport on this island. In a nation that recently came out of conflict, sporting programmes can be used to help build and foster positive community relations and interactions. This must be practical and achievable.

I note the role played by Irish sport abroad and among the diaspora, in particular, the outstanding role of the GAA across the world. As Sinn Féin spokesperson on the diaspora I look forward to engaging with the GAA. No matter where abroad, one of the first ports of call is the local GAA club. Other sports people such as boxers, wrestlers and those in many other disciplines are excelling themselves. On behalf of Sinn Féin, I welcome this Bill. I hope the Minister and Sport Ireland will take on board our recommendations. Sílim gur rud dearfach é an Bille seo. Tá sé tábhachtach go gcuirfear é i bhfeidhm gan ciorruithe agus go mbeidh có-neartú ag tarlú idir na heagraíochtaí agus tacaíocht níos fearr á thabhairt do lucht spóirt mar thoradh ar sin.