Sport and Recreational Development
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-20
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Charlie McConalogue (FF), Donegal

The Deputy is right to focus on it. We have seen progress on the participation of those with a disability in sport but the gap has not narrowed because participation has also increased among the general adult and child populations, for which we can be thankful. The gap has remained, however. It is a particular focus for the Government. We are going to look to see how we can address that gap further because it is simply not acceptable that people who have a disability or illness are not being given the opportunity to participate in sport in the same way as others. We are particularly focused on that. Over the last ten years, we have made great progress on the gap between genders, between women and men. That has now almost closed. Sport Ireland appointed a lead for women in sport, which made a significant impact. We have now done the same for disabilities and I think that will also make an impact. We must all work with those clubs and sporting organisations that are doing really strong work to address this gap. It is very important that people have the opportunity to participate in sport in their local community, regardless of their ability or disability.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-20/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:31+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-20