Sport should be made a compulsory activity in schools, Mr Michael Ring (FG, Mayo) said. He also called for an end to the practice of filling a cup with alcoholic drink after major sporting events. Given widespread social problems, the development of sport was needed to assist young people, Mr Ring said.

"There are not enough outlets for young people. I came from a housing estate where 30, 40 or 50 young people played football every evening. They were fighting to get on the team.

"One does not see that any more in housing estates. We do not see young people playing football, camogie or whatever it may be. They are indoors watching Home and Away, Dallas and JR and so on. They should be told what they are watching is not real. It is time parents put an end to it.

"Before going to school, they have to watch a soap opera. At lunchtime, 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. they are watching soap operas. It is no wonder that their minds are poisoned and that they cannot realise there is something else for them other than soaps and television."

Mr Ring was speaking during the resumed debate on the Irish Sports Council Bill, which puts the council on a statutory footing.