Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for coming here today. I rise today as Ireland continues to bask not just in sunshine but also in the success of one of our finest athletes, Katie Taylor. Her brilliance on the world stage continues to inspire, reminding us what is possible with talent, support and opportunity. Katie's journey lit a path that many others have since followed. Indeed the way was paved for her by Deirdre Gogarty. We have seen our women's football team reach the World Cup, our rugby players demand reform and respect, and our athletes, rowers and boxers bring home medals from the world's biggest stages. These are not isolated achievements; they are the result of skill, resilience and determination, often in the face of historic underinvestment and inequality. To begin, I acknowledge the significant strides that have been made in fostering excellence for sport in women as was mentioned by the Minister. Thanks to the previous leadership of the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, the former Minister, Catherine Martin, and the Minister's own leadership now we have seen real progress. Sport Ireland's gender equality in sport policy now requires funded sporting bodies to have at least 40% gender representation on their boards, a crucial step towards embedding equality in decision-making. Core funding to national governing bodies has increased and there has been a stronger emphasis on encouraging female participation at all levels. The Women in Sport programmes, as was mentioned, are encouraging more women and girls to get involved, particularly at grassroots levels.

Importantly, recent budgets have committed to enhancing supports for high-performance female athletes. This support is essential, as was stated by Senator Ní Chuilinn, not just to celebrate success but also to enable it. Our Olympians, World Cup players and community leaders in sport deserve the support and recognition that match their talent and sacrifice. We have also backed the development of a safe sporting environment because participation alone is not enough. Sport must be safe, inclusive and respectful for women and girls. Campaigns like 20x20, which we were delighted to support, have helped to reshape how we talk about and see women in sport. Visibility really matters, not only for recognition but also for the inspiration it gives to the next generation.

Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. Funding disparities are still stark. Many female athletes and teams continue to receive only a fraction of what their male counterparts do. Too often, elite level sportswomen are juggling training with full-time employment or being a parent, simply because their sport does not pay enough. Media visibility also remains a major barrier. Women's sport receives just a small share of overall coverage in Ireland. That is not just a representation issue; it affects sponsorship, public interest and the opportunities available to young girls who cannot be what they cannot see.As we know, access to facilities and professional supports also remains unequal. Female teams often report second-tier or restricted access to pitches, gyms and support staff. Changing in toilets or car parks is still too regular an occurrence. The under-representation of women in coaching, officiating and governance roles further entrenches a male-dominated culture in many sporting organisations. Cultural barriers also persist.

Teenage girls drop out of sport at much higher rates than boys. It is often due to a mix of body image, lack of confidence or simply feeling they do not belong. That is a heartbreaking waste of potential and is entirely avoidable with the right supports in place. This is not a time for complacency. We have seen what is possible when women's sport is given the spotlight and support it deserves. We have also seen the unity and pride that women's teams bring to the country on the field, in the ring and on the track. I have to agree with Senator Conway that we could also use it as a preventative message. If we get more older people to stay in sport, their fitness improves and they will live longer. We also might not have the issues we have with medical problems.

Gaps remain in media sponsorship, visibility, resources and leadership. I call on the Minister of State to continue championing policies, legislation and funding to push us closer to full equality in sport because the work is obviously not finished.

On a quick personal note, Termonfeckin tennis club near me in County Louth has received tremendous capital funding. I have just started tennis lessons. I fear I will not be ready for Wimbledon next year, the year after or possibly in a decade. At the same time, I am enjoying it and we would not have it if it were not for that confidence in the sport and being able to get those vital funds.

Let us ensure no young girl in Ireland ever questions - whatever age she may be - where she belongs on the pitch, in the ring, on the starting line or on the tennis court.