Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have a vibrant sailing scene in Ireland. As an island nation, we are lucky enough to have a number of sailing hubs around the country. Dún Laoghaire is obviously primary among these, but Cork could be included on the list. Within the sailing communities in question are vibrant para sailing communities. People who, for one reason or another, have physical disabilities are in a position to get involved in sailing. There are vibrant para sailing communities in Ireland and internationally. Unfortunately, the International Paralympic Committee, IPC, decided yesterday that para sailing will not form part of the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. This decision has been lamented by World Sailing, which has said it will not stop their determination to promote para sailing. Irish Sailing has stated that it will continue to foster para sailing in Ireland. That is tremendously important, but it is a real retrograde step by the IPC not to include para sailing for 2028. There has been a quiet and big risk campaign at an international level to have para sailing return to the Paralympics. It would have meant so much to so many serious international competitors on a vibrant scene. We see from the Parasailing World Championships that there are many people sailing at a very high level. Their participation would make for a wonderful competition in Los Angeles in 2028. I really regret that the IPC has decided not to do this.I join Irish sailing not only in regretting that decision but also saying we need to push harder for greater facilities, encouragement and supports for those involved in parasailing.