Sports Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2011

Thursday, 14 July 2011

Questions (296)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

303 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that there is no conflict of interest on the board of the Irish Sports Council and the National Sports Campus Development Authority arising either from the employment of an individual board member within a sports organisation or having any contract arrangement with any sports organisation funded by him or the Irish Sports Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20430/11]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

In addition to the requirements under the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies states that:

"On appointment, each Board member should furnish to the Secretary of the body details relating to his/her employment and all other business or professional interests including shareholdings, directorships, professional relationships etc., that could involve a conflict of interest or could materially influence the member in relation to the performance of his/her functions as a member of the Board."

All Members of the Irish Sports Council (ISC) and the National Sports Campus Development (NSCDA) are required to furnish this information. Both Bodies have written Codes of Business Conduct for their directors which includes procedures for addressing conflict of interest.