The programme for Government is very clear in its aims for equality and it also sets out strong ambitions on increasing participation in sport, including the prioritising of increasing female participation. Women’s rugby has experienced a turbulent time recently. Last week, Ballincollig Rugby Football Club outlined its shock and disappointment that the steps to grant the club All-Ireland League, AIL, senior club status was stopped at the Munster AGM. The club has outlined very understandable frustration and disappointment that equality is still something that needs to be fought for and that not all Munster rugby players are considered equal. The rules at the moment mean that one club out of the 60 AIL clubs does not have senior status. The reason for that is down to the gender of the players on the team. Is the Tánaiste aware of this situation and can engagement take place with the rugby authorities to ensure that all players are considered equal and that whatever rules need to be changed will be changed?

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. This is a matter for Munster Rugby and the IRFU, as the national governing body, but I would ask them both to reflect on the decision they have made in respect of this matter and to review it. Neither the Government nor the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media have any role in this. It is important that we respect the autonomy of national governing bodies to run their sports. However, equality in sport is Government policy. Ministers want to achieve a sporting landscape where women have an equal opportunity to achieve their potential, while enjoying lifelong involvement in sport. With that in mind and while respecting their autonomy, we ask both Munster Rugby and the IRFU to think again.