“Women in Sport - A National Perspective” 28 October 2015 Maev Nic Lochlainn Dept. of Transport, Tourism & Sport

Structure of Presentation Review of Relevant Research - Keeping them in the Game, Irish Sports Monitor, 2013 Annual Report Gender Gap - Policy Responses

“Keeping Them in the Game” ESRI / Irish Sports Council – published Sept 2013 No difference in participation on leaving primary Clear gender gap on leaving secondary level Women no less likely than men to take up sport as adults

Over the secondary school years….

Proportion who continue with a sport played in school, after Leaving School….

Irish Sports Monitor, 2013 Ipsos MRBI/ Irish Sports Council – published 2014 Analysis of nearly 9,400 questionnaires, aged 16+ More females participating in sport (up 3.7% to 42.7%) Increases across all age groups, especially years Significant narrowing Gender Gap– (11.8% to 9.3%)

Top 5! 1. Exercise 2. Swimming 3. Running 4. Dancing 5. Cycling

Women’s active participation in sport and exercise

Context for playing sport among women

Why do women play? Source: Irish Sports Monitor 2013 unpublished

Roles Carried out by volunteers

Perceptions of administration of sport at a national level Source: Irish Sports Monitor 2013 unpublished

Gender Gap - Policy Responses Women in Sport Initiative – launched 2005 Physical Activity Plan – to be launched shortly Sports Policy - Consultation to be launched shortly

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