Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. Certainly, what he has outlined and indeed done himself with regard to funding women's sport and its organisations has been very impressive. However, the question I have is that when we speak about women, we need a definition of that category and we need to protect that category of women within sport. I understand that last year, a freedom of information request went into Sport Ireland asking about this and it stated it had not even discussed self-identifying males competing against females. This is about safeguarding and protecting women's sport. We owe it to the females who compete competitively and who have put years and years of their lives into training in their sports to protect that and ensure this is fair and competitive to them. I ask the Minister of State to reflect on this issue and ensure the provision of this level and equal playing field, which will remain as a safe space for females going forward. Maybe he can address that issue.