Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again acknowledge how this difficult this time during the Covid-19 pandemic is on those people impacted in respect of their health or financially, as well as for those at the forefront in the workplace in dealing with the health problems which arise. We cannot lose sight of the small things which would make a difference in respect of what our country is going through now. We spoke previously about the importance of supporting mental health, particularly among young people, and the importance of sport in that context. I refer to how it helps young people through the discipline of training for and playing matches.I was struck by an email I received during the week from the secretary of Athy Rugby Club in County Kildare. It is a very well run and well organised club. He made the point that young people, particularly those of schoolgoing age, had not played a match since 19 March. This is a difficult time for members who are concerned. We all know that leaders in sports clubs and organisations play a very strong, mentoring role in the lives of young people. They feel they are losing this vital connection with young people and families. As far as sports are concerned, level 3 and level 5 restrictions are the same. I appeal for rugby and soccer clubs to be given the opportunity, in a regulated way, to resume playing matches so that members do not lose out on the valuable lessons and physical, emotional and mental health benefits that being part of team provides.