Anthony Lawlor (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not too often that Kildare wins an all-Ireland championship. The last time we were in an all-Ireland final my ministerial colleague made sure the attempt was derailed very quickly.

A couple of key points in the motion struck me. Participation is one important point. While I welcome the focus on disability, the motion also covers other sectors that should be participating in sport as much as possible. I refer to people in various socio-economic groups that find it difficult to access sport, and also women and girls. In fairness to the Government, it has made significant progress in this area.

Swimming is one of the most accessible sports for people with disabilities. We should encourage more swimming but we need more swimming pools. I accept a new local authority swimming pool programme was announced a year and a half ago but, unfortunately, only two applicants were successful. Each constituency should have a swimming pool that is accessible to people across all socio-economic groups and those with disabilities because it is an easy way for people with special needs to participate in sport.

I was very lucky in 2003 when the equestrian events of the Special Olympics World Games were held in my village of Kill. It was a tremendous occasion for the entire community and people got involved in assisting the event. Sadly, under a planning application before Kildare County Council, it is proposed to demolish the facility in question. I will oppose that given the significant State investment in it. The facility should be available to all people with disabilities.The special connection between animals and people with disabilities is well recognised and should be encouraged wherever possible.

I have spoken before about ladies sport and I know that many clubs and sporting organisations are putting particular emphasis on getting ladies involved. I watched a series of county finals in Kildare last weekend and the level of participation by ladies was tremendous. It was marvellous to see so many participating and so many watching too. It is important that we do as much as we can to encourage women and ladies to get involved in sport. I know this debate is on people with disabilities and we must celebrate all their achievements. I have seen people with disabilities playing in so-called normal games of rugby and soccer. One of the best sportsmen I ever saw was a young man who played rugby with UCC last season. He had only one finger and a thumb on his right hand but it was unbelievable what he could do on the pitch. It is a minor disability but he actually participated in the game. It was tremendous to see that and to see the welcome he was given on the field.

I am very supportive of the motion. While much has been done already, we need to do more. When I was in Naas last week I saw one of the new outdoor gyms. There is a walk all the way around a lake in Naas and at several points along the way there is a piece of gym equipment. That makes it accessible to people who cannot afford to pay high gym fees. It is very simple really. I took a photograph of an 80 year old doing one of the exercises. We must not forget that sport is for all and not just for those elite athletes who give us plenty of pleasure. Sport is for people with disabilities, those from difficult socio-economic backgrounds, ladies and girls and those of a certain age. I very much welcome this debate and am delighted that the Minister of State has brought forward a new sports policy. I know that he is getting cross-party support for it because it makes absolute sense from the perspective of both mental and physical health for everyone to participate in sport.