Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

37. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps taken to support and increase participation in sport for traditionally excluded populations, such as the trans community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52577/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This Government is committed to a "Sport for All" approach aimed at ensuring that all persons can partake equally in sport and physical activity, regardless of gender, age, social-economic status, disability, or membership of minority groups such as the LGBTI+ community, the Traveller community or other ethnic minorities. This commitment is reaffirmed in the Programme for Government.

Last year, Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, published a guidance document regarding transgender and non-binary inclusion in sport and physical activity. The document provides information and insights, as well as recommended steps and considerations, for the sports sector when putting a policy in place for the participation of transgender and non-binary people in sport.

Earlier this year, Sport Ireland delivered two in-person workshops to enable the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to research, design and publish their own policies on Transgender and Non-Binary inclusion in their sports.

I recognise that issues such as participation by transgender and non-binary people are complex and sensitive issues for both individuals and sporting organisations. Additionally, I acknowledge that NGBs are autonomous in their decision making and that, in many sports, international federations set the policies that national governing bodies must adhere to on this issue.

I am pleased that €500,000 has recently been allocated by Sport Ireland towards a dedicated Equality Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) stream as part of Dormant Account Funding for 2025. The EDI fund supports projects that remove barriers to participation in sport and physical activity for individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities. Previous projects funded include LGBTIQ+ specific initiatives such as inclusive sport programmes, training courses and LGBTIQ+ events.

As Minister with responsibility for Sport, I will continue to emphasise and promote the importance of inclusiveness and fairness in all aspects of sport. Sport is for everyone. We are always striving to ensure that sport is welcoming and inclusive and that opportunities exist for everyone to participate.