Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
605. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the current policy measures and funding programmes within his Department that support participation by girls and women in sport, particularly at grassroots level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14338/26]
View answerThe participation of women in sport is an important element of both the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the associated Sports Action Plan 2024-2027 and represents a core priority for me and my Department.
This Government is committed to a "Sport for All" approach aimed at ensuring that all persons can partake equally in sport and physical activity. This commitment is reaffirmed in the Programme for Government and is also reflected in Sport Ireland's Women in Sport Policy.
The Women in Sport funding programme, administered by Sport Ireland, was first established in 2005 and since then over €30 million has been invested through the National Governing Bodies of Sport and the Local Sports Partnership network.
Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport Policy was launched in 2019 and was subsequently updated in 2023 due to advancements made within the sector and society in general. It builds on the significant work that has already been undertaken in this area and, in recognising the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of women through their involvement in sport, it provides a blueprint for Sport Ireland’s future work.
In 2025 Sport Ireland announced an investment of €4 million under the Women in Sport programme. This is vital funding to support sporting bodies, and my Department will continue to support programmes to increase women’s participation in all sports and to progress strategic objectives for women in sport across all areas including active participation, coaching, officiating, and leadership.
The Irish Sports Monitor (ISM) Report for 2024, shows that sport participation levels among women is at 47%, an increase of one percentage point since 2023, and the gap between men and women is now less than 3%.
Sport Ireland will be holding its annual Women in Sport Week in March to coincide with International Women’s Day which will serve to promote the visibility of women in sport at all levels in Ireland.
As Minister for Sport, I will continue to tackle issues to ensure that women’s sport reaches parity with its male equivalent and that females do not drop out of sport due to a lack of adequate training facilities or access to opportunities.
