Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I request a debate on sport and Covid-19. I have been working with a number of sports clubs, especially clubs involved in youth sport, for the last number of weeks. All the clubs, from Lourdes Celtic, St. Francis Football Club and clubs in Arklow and Knocklyon, are concerned by the drop-off rate in child engagement on the pitch and even in the Zoom conversations they are setting up. I have written to the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, on this issue and we should have a conversation about it.

The risk of Covid-19 is huge and real but being unable to get children back on to sports pitches in some shape or form is also a risk. In many working class communities, sport is the only way out, whether as a route to university or for those who cannot access academic life. Sport has given chances to many children in our communities. It contributes to harm reduction and keeps children off the streets.

The sports pitch is a sanctuary for many talented children. The closure is having an impact, from younger children experiencing anxiety who are now attending class but still cannot be on an outdoor pitch in pods to 17 and 18-year-olds who were relying on sport to access scholarships for third level universities. Studying at university in the United States on a soccer scholarship has always served as a route out for many children, rather than relying on the leaving certificate.

The clubs have been clear. They are not calling for contact sports or leagues to start again. They are asking for a way to get children back on to the pitch, socially distanced and with all precautions in place, including not having parents on the sidelines. They have put everything in place and want to be able to move as quickly as they can before they lose more children than they should.

I ask the Leader to arrange a discussion on moving away from the fixed date of 5 April. The Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, considered how recommendations applied specifically to his Department in terms of addiction services or youth work. The Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, should be given room to consider having particular restrictions in areas under his Department rather than having a fixed date apply across government.