Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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416. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will report on the recent letter regarding concerns within women’s rugby in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63055/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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On Friday 10 December Minister Martin and I received a letter from a group of current and former female international rugby players in which they highlighted a number of concerns regarding the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and its ongoing reviews into the Rugby World Cup 2021 qualification campaign and the Women in Rugby Action Plan.  

While the key responsibility for the ongoing development and improvement of rugby in Ireland rests with the IRFU as the National Governing Body for the sport, Minister Martin and I are of the view that it is important that the issues raised are addressed to ensure there is a positive future for women’s rugby in Ireland.

Minister Martin and I met with a representative group of the players on Monday 20 December at which meeting the players outlined their concerns in detail.  We also met separately with the IRFU on the same day and raised with it the players’ concerns.

With the agreement of the players, we asked Sport Ireland to engage with the players to provide assistance and guidance to progress the issues of concern. Sport Ireland met with a group of player representatives on 23rd December and met with them again earlier this week. 

Sport Ireland is currently working with the players and the IRFU to address the issues and I understand that their is a genuine desire by all parties to address and resolve the issues. I am hopeful that this process will result in a positive outcome for women’s rugby. 

I am also pleased to note the announcement made by the IRFU on 17 December confirming that it intends to fully publish the two independent reviews currently being undertaken.