From the outset of the pandemic earlier this year, a close liaison has been maintained between my Department, Sport Ireland and the various sporting organisations. This has been achieved in particular through the establishment of a representative Sports Monitoring Group, which has held regular meetings over the past few months. In addition, Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, has maintained ongoing contact with the sporting organisations.
I have also met a number of the sporting organisations recently and I would hope to be in a position to hold further such meetings in the coming period.
This close collaborative relationship has provided an acute understanding of the difficulties and challenges that face the sports sector. It has also informed the development of the various funding packages in place to support the sector, which have been widely welcomed.