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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Alex Dunne and motorsport support

Summary

Deputy Clendennen praised sporting success and asked about support for Formula 1 hopeful Alex Dunne. The Minister agreed on Dunne’s talent and said he would raise the matter with the sport Ministers.

Sport has a unique ability to lift the nation. In recent weeks, we have seen that first hand with what the boys in green achieved, reaching the next stages of qualification. That is replicated in golf, rugby and GAA. I acknowledge the Government investment in pathways, participation and high performance. Sport is a proven formula to provide success and joy right across society. However, a young man in my constituency, Alex Dunne, is on the cusp of greatness in Formula 1. He has several podium finishes. He is on the cusp of a bright career and his viewership is in the hundreds of millions weekly when he takes to the circuit. He is a generational talent, but because he is a generational talent, he falls between the frameworks that Sport Ireland and Motorsport Ireland provide. At this stage, he is simply ignored by our sporting organisations in this country, with absolutely zero financial support in a sport that is demanding. His is a generational talent. He needs generational support. Will the Government please commit to supporting him?

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Sport has the ability to lift the nation. The Deputy mentioned the boys in green. The girls in green came through against Belgium. We have seen some great sporting events recently. We will not talk about the rugby at the weekend, but I blame that on the referee and a poor refereeing performance.

Alex Dunne, who is driving Formula 2 at McLaren, is unquestionably an incredible talent. I am a fan myself. I am not aware of the structures that Sport Ireland and Motorsport Ireland have to ensure he is supported. I can raise that matter with the Minister for sport and the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue. Alex Dunne is a great talent. He has reached levels we have not seen of an Irish person since Eddie Irvine. Where he can be supported, I will ask both the Minister and the Minister of State to respond directly to the Deputy.

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