Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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86. To ask the Minister for Defence the rules regarding the participation of Defence Forces personnel in extracurricular sporting activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21313/13]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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92. To ask the Minister for Defence the rules in place with regard to the participation of Defence Forces personnel in extracurricular sporting activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21294/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 92 together.

As such, participation by members of the Defence Forces in sporting activities at local, regional and higher level competition is encouraged and where possible is facilitated having regard to, for example, the taking of annual leave. The level of participation in extracurricular sporting activities is governed by the exigencies of the service and no distinction is made in favour of any particular sporting discipline. In the recent past, many members of the Defence Forces, both male and female, have brought great honour to the Organisation, through their success, at the highest level in, for example, Gaelic games, boxing and League of Ireland soccer and this is to be welcomed.

Participation in sports and sporting activity forms an integral part of reaching and maintaining the Defence Forces desired fitness profile. As part of an overall structured training programme, a programme of sporting activities is available for members of the Defence Forces to participate in. This is managed and overseen by the Defence Forces Athletic Association.