Last Saturday a powerful statement was made by 30 women on the Dublin and Kilkenny senior camogie teams when they took to the pitch for the Leinster semi-final wearing shorts instead of the regulator skorts which are mandated by the Camogie Association. This action was in response to findings in the survey by the GPA which found that 83% of players wanted to have the choice. Unfortunately the rules had to be enforced by a referee put in a very difficult position and the teams were told the game would have to be abandoned unless they changed. Will the Government support the players in getting this rule changed and asking the Camogie Association under rule 10.5(C), which would allow the ard comhairle to consider derogation requests from a specific rule where strict adherence to the rule may not be in the best interests of the association? I ask this question because participation of women in sport is so important. These people, who have taken this stance, should be supported by the Government.

I thank the Deputy for raising this. There has been great progress in participation, and equal participation, by women in all sports. Our national governing bodies have made massive strides in that regard and that has been matched by the Government in relation to funding.

I am very aware of the issue. It is very important that players engage with the Camogie Association. I have had engagement with the Camogie Association as well and it is important that they come together to find a resolution that is comfortable for everyone. Participation and making sure everyone is comfortable participating in sport is absolutely essential. It is important there is an agreed way forward with which everyone can be comfortable and which has players and player welfare very much at the centre. The Government will support that coming together and an agreed outcome in every way we can.