72. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider amending the Sport Ireland Act 2015 and expand the definition of competitive sport and recreational sport to include “all forms of sporting activity which through organised participation, aim at expressing or improving performance and at obtaining improved results in competition at all levels through organised participation” and “all forms of sporting activity which through casual or regular participation aim at expressing or improving mental well-being, self-esteem and at forming social relationships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43446/26]

Sentiment score: 0.30

I am asking this question because activities such as chess are not recognised as sports in Ireland. Chess is recognised as a sport in 24 of the 27 EU member states and in over 100 countries worldwide. It is recognised as a sport by the Olympic movement, which holds its own chess Olympiad. After football, chess is the most widely played sport in the world. It has been played for over 1,500 years. Chess has great health benefits for the ageing by stimulating the brain and has multiple benefits for children taking up sport. I am asking the Minister of State to agree to a change in wording of the definition of "sport" to allow chess to become a sport. This could have multiple benefits for bridge and similar games. It is a small change that could make a massive difference and have a huge impact on chess players right around the nation.

Sentiment score: 0.32

The Minister of State’s response is positive. I cannot ask for more than that. I ask that he keep the matter on the radar as we begin the consultation for, and the implementation of, a new sports strategy. If he bears it in mind, I will be happy to work with him in that regard.

Sentiment score: 0.29