Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Joy Neville on becoming the Rehab sportsperson of the year. Joy is from Limerick. She is a neighbour of mine and I know her well. She may not support the same rugby club as me but her brothers do. Joy played for Shannon and UL Bohemians, as well as Munster and Ireland This latest accolade adds to her Grand Slam achievements in the past and her 70 caps for Ireland. She has shown great commitment. When she was awarded the title of sportsperson of the year on Sunday evening last, Joy said she was dedicating it to all young sportswomen. The message she gave to them is that they should dream and achieve.

There have been many reports recently, however, which have highlighted the lack of participation in sport on the part of young females. Will the Leader invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to a debate on how we can encourage future participation of females, especially young females, in sport? Many reports on this issue encouraged the Minister for Education and Skills to make physical education a compulsory subject in schools, which I welcome. We should have a debate on how we can encourage further participation of young females in sport.