Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader.

I listened to "Morning Ireland" this morning and, in the midst all of the talk about the budget and what was going to happen, I was appalled by one of the stories I heard.We have been listening to similar stories over the past while regarding recent reports of violence at local GAA matches. Four specific instances were mentioned this morning. These ranged from the one that we knew about in Roscommon to incidents over the weekend in Wexford, Mayo and Kerry. I was very shocked because what is sport about? It is not just about wanting to win but it is about supporting physical and mental health, learning how to co-operate as part of the team and also in providing entertainment to those in attendance and who are supporting us.

While the competitive element is very important, what kind of lessons are we giving to our young people when we see adults getting involved in attacks on referees and other officials? As we know, a referee was even visited at his own home outside the match situation. It is shocking and it has to stop. We all love the GAA. It is a core element of our culture and of our communities. So many people give of their time on a voluntary basis so we have to crack down harshly on these issues. I am very pleased that the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, has confirmed that the Department has asked Sport Ireland to engage with governing bodies on the issue as we have to put a stop to this violence and abuse.

Today is World Tourism Day 2022. Tourism is obviously a big part of our own country and is something we need to support at every level. I have no doubt that some of the measures in today’s budget will do that. Thinking about World Tourism Day 2022, I will inform the House that my weekend in south Kildare was just fantastic. I did not have enough time to take in everything that was happening. There was Culture Night, where one could go to art and photography exhibitions in Rathangan and then go to the opening up of the Sult Gallery which will be a permanent gallery in Kildare town and is very much worth checking out. This is the first time we have had a permanent art gallery as such in south Kildare.

One could go then to Newbridge to the local choir, which was just incredible. On Saturday and Sunday we then had Taste of Kildare at the Leger Restaurant where all of our top restaurants and hotels came together to organise the taste of all of the fabulous food. We got to see the very best in craft, food and, of course, racing. Prior to that we had an unveiling of a sculpture to “Squires” Gannon, who was the captain of the 1928 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship winning Kildare team. That was the very first Sam Maguire trophy competition, and indeed the only such trophy win we have had. I am fortunate enough to have had two O’Loughlin relatives on that team. It was a wonderful occasion.

There was also a walk along the Barrow Blueway and a visit to Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park. I am just saying to everybody that today is World Tourism Day 2022, and while I cannot extend an invitation to all world tourism, I ask everyone to come and see everything we have to offer in south Kildare. Gabhaim buíochas.