I thank the Deputy for raising this important topic for consideration. Sport Ireland, as the Deputy knows, is the statutory body that we have assigned with responsibility for the recognition of sports in Ireland. As part of the recognition criteria, Sport Ireland must be satisfied that an activity meets the criteria for sport as outlined in section 2 of the Sport Ireland Act 2015, which was adopted from the Council of Europe’s definition of "sport". The Act defines competitive and recreational sport, a common theme being physical activity with the aim of improving physical fitness. It defines "competitive sport" as meaning: "all forms of physical activity which, through organised participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness, and obtaining improved results in competition at all levels". It also defines "recreational sport" as meaning: "all forms of physical activity which, through casual or regular participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, and forming social relationships".
The physical activity and fitness underpinning the statutory understanding of sport is important due to the significant physical health benefits associated with sport, for both the individual and for society. These benefits are central to the rationale that we all have and agree on for public investment in sport. The existing definitions give regard to persons with disabilities and older people participating in sport as they begin by noting that sport "includes all forms of physical activity", which can include a wide range of adapted and disability-inclusive forms of sport. There is a risk that a widening of the definition of "sport" by relaxing physical activity conditions could result in an overly expansive understanding of sport that would encompass almost any organised recreational pastime involving competition. Accordingly, I do not propose at this juncture to amend the Sport Ireland Act 2015 as proposed by the Deputy. It is, though, something that can be considered in the context of the development of the next national sports strategy, which will set out a framework for the next ten years. Everything should be up for consideration to make sure we have the right approach, and I am happy to have a good discussion on this matter in that context.