Inclusivity report recommends more women's sport on TV

A report on inclusion in sport has been launched by the joint committee on Tourism Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Public service media has been called on to commit to broadcasting women's sport on an equal basis to men’s sport. The report also recommends that that the broadcasting of disability sports should not be limited to the Paralympic Games.

The report found that inclusion in sport should be underpinned by adequate funding with particular regard to the support needs of smaller, volunteer-led national governing bodies.

Among the other recommendations are for investment in the development of accessible and fit-for-purpose facilities. This is described as a prerequisite to the removal of barriers to inclusion in sport.

Club volunteers are described as having a crucial role in delivering on inclusion in sport on the ground. Consistency regarding messaging across sports is also recommended.

The report adds that visibility is critical to fostering greater inclusion in sport, ecommending that the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Sport Ireland works with national governing bodies to promote and increase visibility of athletes from marginalised communities or minority groups, including but not limited to: women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled individuals, racially and ethnically diverse individuals.

It's also stressed that the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, national governing bodies and Sport Ireland should support the growth of LQBTQIA+ orientated sports clubs, with backing also offered for the hosting of a major international LGBTQIA+ multi-sport tournament.

The committee noted that Sport Ireland is finalising guidance in the area of transgender