Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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85. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the actions taken to obtain the view of young persons in increasing their participation in sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21803/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I share the Deputy's emphasis on obtaining the view of young people in increasing their participation in sport. The pandemic has clearly prevented young people from participating in their preferred sport and physical activity and many are experiencing considerable difficulty due to this.

At my request, my Department organised two important consultation sessions in recent weeks. In March, I listened to boys from the the FAI Fingal Transition Year Programme and girls from the Galway Swimming Club and the Shark Swimming Club, also from Galway. Earlier this month, with the great assistance of An Foróige, I had a similar video consultation with young people from Blanchardstown Youth Service and Comhairle na nÓg from Cork, Meath, Tipperary and Waterford.

There were many insightful and considered views on the current situation as well as suggestions on improvements.  Areas such as access to facilities, transport issues, peer pressure, exam pressure and coaching standards were amongst the most prominent issues raised.

Subject to public health guidance, I intend holding an in-person event around this topic later this year where I hope those involved in providing sport for our young people can attend and listen to their needs with a view to improving the situation in the long term.