Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Cathaoirleach on yesterday's excellent launch of Seanad100. I wish the initiative every success. I will raise a very important matter. Despite the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, it has come to my attention that the playing of games, and especially inter-school competitions at primary school level, has not recommenced. This does a huge disservice to the young boys and girls across Cumann na mBunscol schools, particularly in Cork city and county. I pay tribute to Cumann na mBunscol in Cork city and county. I ask the Deputy Leader, all Members and Government to support and advocate for a return to play activity and primary school games for our primary school students. I will refer to Sciath na Scol in Cork.It is an excellent organisation, run by teachers on a voluntary basis, co-ordinating and scheduling games, and giving young boys and girls, the stars of the future, an opportunity to play and represent their clubs, schools and parishes in Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Páirc Uí Rinn and in intercounty games in the Munster championship season. I ask that we invite the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, and the Minister, Deputy Foley, to come to the House to discuss this. I think we would all agree that we should allow for a return to play in primary school competitions. It is already happening in clubs, where inter-club competition is back, at post-primary level with the Dr. Harty Cup and Corn Uí Mhuirí, and in rugby. Why can it not happen at primary schools? I ask for the House's support with that.