Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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42. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has increased the funding available to disability groups to provide sporting opportunities to those with a disability during the Covid-19 pandemic in view of the fact that many have been confined to their homes for long periods and need an outlet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27496/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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A funding package of up to €70 million was announced on 19th June to support the sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding package will be administered by Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport.

In recognition of the disproportionate impact of COVID 19 on people with a disability, Sport Ireland will ring-fence a proportion of the investment so that it is targeted directly at the disability sport sector.  A specific Disability Sport Working Group will be established to identify the needs of the sector.

I am arranging for Sport Ireland to provide the Deputy with further detail on supports for this sector.