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Tuesday, 8 Dec 2020

Written Answers Nos. 240-259

Craoltóirí Seirbhíse Poiblí

Questions (240)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

240. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad iad na hiarrachtaí atá déanta aici chun go dtabharfar tosaíocht feiceálachta do TG4 ar Freeview, chun stádas a bhaint amach dó mar chraoltóir seirbhíse poiblí sna sé contae mar atá ag S4C sa Bhreatain Bheag agus ag BBC Alba in Albain, agus chun an fhoráil a chomhlíonadh i leith infhaighteacht TG4 a leathnú de réir alt 4 den chuid a bhaineann le cúrsaí eacnamaíochta, sóisialta agus cultúrtha i gComhaontú Aoine an Chéasta; agus an dtabharfaidh sí ráiteas maidir le cur chun cinn TG4 ó Thuaidh agus comhoibriú Thuaidh-Theas ina leith sin. [41578/20]

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Written answers

Tá áit níos feiceálaí á lorg ag TG4 ar ardán Freeview i dTuaisceart Éireann. Tá TG4 ag iarraidh ach go háirithe go mbogfaí an cainéal ón áit atá acu faoi láthair ar chainéal 52 go dtí cainéal 8 ar Freeview.

 Bhí TG4 páirteach i gcomhairliúchán poiblí le Digital UK agus rinne iarratas len iad a chur ar chainéal 8 ar Freeview.  Thug Digital UK freagra i Meán Fómhair 2020 ina cuireadh in iúl gur ceanglas é faoi Acht Cumarsáide 2003 na Ríochta Aontaithe go mbeadh cainéal ainmnithe ina chainéal seirbhíse poiblí sa Ríocht Aontaithe d'fhonn feiceálacht a fháil i gcomhréir le Cód um Threoir Clár Leictreonach Ofcom.

Cuireadh tuilleadh comhairle orthu chomh maith gurb í an Roinn Cultúir, Meán agus Spóirt (DCMS) a bhí freagrach as a leithéid d'ainmniúchán. Faoi Acht Cumarsáide 2003, is féidir leis an Rúnaí Stáit cainéil a chur le liosta na gcainéal seirbhíse poiblí le hOrdú Reachtúil.  Tá sé curtha in iúl ag TG4 go bhfuil sé i gceist acu dul i gcomhairle leis an DCMS chun a leithéid d'ainmniúchán a phlé leo sa Bhliain Nua.

Anuas ar thabhairt chun críche an chomhaontaithe Deich mBliana Nua, Cur Chuige Nua, thug Rialtas na hÉireann gealltanas i ndáil le tuilleadh tacaíochta a chur ar fáil don chraoltóireacht Ghaeilge i dTuaisceart Éireann ar feadh 3 bliana ón mbliain 2021  In 2021, cuirfidh mo Roinn fhéin €100,000 ar fáil do TG4 agus do RTÉ araon chun craoltóireacht Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn agus €1m do Scáileán Thuaisceart Éireann chun tacú le hábhar Gaeilge a léiriú.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (241)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

241. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the rationale behind the decision made regarding children’s gymnastic classes under level 3 of the living with Covid plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41678/20]

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Written answers

The Government’s COVID-19 strategy, in line with the public health advice, is disease suppression. COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. The risk of infection spread is greater in certain environments than others e.g. uncontrolled environments, crowded and noisy places, indoor environments, and poorly ventilated spaces.

Given the current epidemiological situation, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of the disease and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue.

I am cognisant of the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has had, and continues to have, on the sports sector, including for the sport of gymnastics.  The priority in level 3 is to keep health services, schools and early learning and childcare services open and minimise disruption in the work force.  While the Government acknowledges the positive role sport and physical activity plays for physical and mental health, the scientific advice is clear that we need to reduce as much as possible the numbers of people congregating, in order to reduce the spread of the virus. For this reason, in the current Level 3 restrictions, no group training or exercise classes are permitted indoors, including children's gymnastics classes.

While children's gymnastics classes are not permitted in the current Level 3 restrictions, engagement with the sport sector is ongoing. I am committed to ensuring the earliest possible safe return of such classes. To that end I have recently written to all National Governing Bodies, including Gymnastics Ireland, seeking written submissions and all available evidence and data for the purposes of informing the development of tailored proposals and approaches for future mitigation measures. It is my objective that such submissions would enable the Government to review and potentially adapt the suite of public health measures currently applying to sport and exercise activities. 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (242)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

242. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has engaged with or plans to engage with any of the organisations that provide children’s gymnastic classes to hear their concerns regarding Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41679/20]

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Written answers

There has been, and will continue to be, a regular, ongoing engagement with the sports sector as a whole, including with the national governing body for gymnastics in Ireland.

I am committed to ensuring the earliest possible safe return of such classes. To that end I have recently written to all National Governing Bodies, including Gymnastics Ireland, seeking written submissions and all available evidence and data for the purposes of informing the development of tailored proposals and approaches for future mitigation measures. It is my objective that such submissions would enable the Government to review and potentially adapt the suite of public health measures currently applying to sport and exercise activities.

In addition to direct engagement with Sport Ireland, the statutory agency for the development of sport in Ireland, sporting organisations including Gymnastics Ireland, have also contributed to regular meetings of the Sports Monitoring Group, which is chaired at Ministerial level. Moreover, the Expert Group on Return to Sport, which is chaired by my Department, has reviewed and provided, via Sport Ireland, feedback to the body referred to by the Deputy on its return to sport protocols.  As part of my commitment to a strong collaboration with the sports sector in pursuit of our ambitious policy aims, it is my intention to meet all of the sporting organisations in person when circumstances permit. 

Currently, in Level 3 individual training indoors is permitted, however indoor exercise and gymnastics classes are not. I recognise that there is great disappointment among those who wish to engage in such classes. However, given the current epidemiological situation, it has been necessary to put in place very significant restrictions to arrest the current trajectory of the disease and break transmission chains. This means asking people to stay at home and eliminating as much activity and contacts as is possible to ensure that opportunities for the virus to transmit are minimised, while allowing essential activities to continue. Unfortunately, this means minimising discretionary activities including indoor sports training, gymnastics and exercise classes.

Questions Nos. 243 and 244 answered with Question No. 220.

Sport and Recreational Development

Questions (245)

John McGuinness

Question:

245. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 946 of 15 January 2019, if branded unused cycling kit relating to a cycling event to the value of €67,000 is now in storage at a cost to Fáilte Ireland and the State; if so, if the arrangement is to continue indefinitely; if so, the cost; if she has examined the procurement process undertaken at the time by Fáilte Ireland to determine if there were any irregularities then or during the period before the contract was terminated; if a full report on the project including all costs will be provided; if outstanding payments are due to the contractor; the legal process in place for same; the person or body taking the action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41684/20]

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Written answers

I understand that the event to which the Deputy refers was initiated and supported by Fáilte Ireland. 

I am informed by Fáilte Ireland that certain issues relating to this event remain in legal process between the contractor and the National Tourism Development Authority.  It would therefore be inappropriate for me to make any further comment on the matter.

I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy in regard to the matters raised.  Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days. 

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Údaráis Áitiúla

Questions (246)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

246. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an roinnfidh sí an téacs iomlán den aighneacht a chuir a Roinn chuig an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta i mí Lúnasa na bliana seo maidir le hathbhreithniú a bhí á dhéanamh ag an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta an tráth sin ar na Treoirlínte d'Údaráis Phleanála, mar atá luaite aici i bhfreagra ar mo cheist pharlaiminteach uimhir 138 ar an 19 Samhain 2020; agus cén fáth nach bhfuil an aighneacht sin foilsithe go fóill. [41685/20]

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Written answers

Mar chuid d'athbhreithniú atá ar siúl ag an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta maidir leis na treoirlínte pleanála, thapaigh mo Roinn an deis cáipéis faoin ábhar a chur faoi bhráid na Roinne sin i mí Lúnasa. 

Ós rud é go bhfuil an obair sin ar fad i ndáil leis an athbhreithniú  ar bun i gcónaí ag an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta, tuigfidh an Teachta nach mbeadh sé cuí an cháipéis thuasluaite a roinnt le haon tríú pháirtí ag an tráth seo.

Question No. 247 answered with Question No. 220.
Question No. 248 answered with Question No. 232.

Culture Policy

Questions (249)

Robert Troy

Question:

249. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the outcome of applications under streams A and B of the cultural capital scheme including that of a centre (details supplied) will be announced. [41712/20]

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Written answers

This Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 focuses on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres that operate as not-for-profit organisations throughout the country and that have a clearly defined arts and culture focus. The Scheme builds on the success of the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018 which saw grants allocated to 134 organisations in 26 counties to refurbish and enhance their facilities. This funding is provided from a €40m capital investment allocation for local arts and culture infrastructure contained in Project Ireland 2040.  One of the features on this iteration of the investment programme is the emphasis on the reduction of carbon footprints to dovetail with the Government’s climate change commitments.

Assessment and final decision on applications under Streams A & B of the Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 were delayed as a result of COVID-19 as my Department opened up a specific COVID-19 related scheme Stream D, a further stream of funding under this overall scheme.  These assessments are nearing completion and announcements will be made over the coming period. 

I understand that the centre to which the Deputy refers, submitted an incomplete application under Stream A of the Cultural Capital Scheme.  In August this year, this centre along with other similarly incomplete applications were given the opportunity to address the oversight.  The responses to this process will be examined in due course and decisions relayed to the organisations concerned.  

Under Stream D, capital funding is provided to assist in the re-opening of theatres, arts centres and culture venues as part of Project Ireland 2040. The measures are designed to support arts and culture facilities in preparation for staff, artists and audiences returning to venues to reopen in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business as well as the Return to Work Safety Protocols. The scheme allows organisations to undertake necessary capital adaptations to their buildings so that they comply with the HSE COVID-19 related public health protection measures. Further details of these schemes along with eligibility criteria and other information, can be found at this link https://www.gov.ie/en/service/b61b2-stream-d-of-the-cultural-capital-scheme-2019-2022/

Tourism Policy

Questions (250, 251, 252, 253)

Marian Harkin

Question:

250. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a list of the members of the night-time economy task force and their qualifications to serve on this task force will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41738/20]

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Marian Harkin

Question:

251. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of submissions received in respect of the recent public consultation process on the night-time economy task force; the number of contributors of these submissions who have been asked to meet the task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41739/20]

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Marian Harkin

Question:

252. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the further consultations to be undertaken by the night-time economy task force; the activities to be undertaken in the next stages of the work of the night-time economy task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41740/20]

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Marian Harkin

Question:

253. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the intended outcomes of the night-time economy task force work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41741/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 to 253, inclusive, together.

I established the Night-time Economy Taskforce earlier this year on 30 July 2020 as one of the priority actions for my Department. This Taskforce is currently examining all the challenges facing the development of a vibrant night time culture and economy such as regulations, licensing laws, transport, and diversity of cultural activities among other issues so our cities, towns and villages which have already faced so many challenges this year, will be able to find and develop new opportunities.

The list of members of the Taskforce is set out below:

- Hazel Chu, Lord Mayor of Dublin

- Joe Kavanagh, Lord Mayor of Cork

- Clare Brosnan, Department of Justice and Equality

- Deaglán O Briain, Department of Justice and Equality

- Colin O Hehir, Department of Environment, Climate and Communications

- Éanna O Conghaile, Department of Transport

- Mary Byrne, Department of Rural and Community Development

- Colin Ryan, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

- Deborah Dignam, Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation

- Anne Graham, National Transport Authority

- Chief Superintendent McElgunn, An Garda Síochána

- Paul Keely, Fáilte Ireland

- Sunil Sharpe, Give us the Night

- Seán Rainbird, Council of National Cultural Institutions (CNCI)

- Maureen Keneally, Arts Council

- Jenny Sherwin, Local Authority Arts Officer

- AnnMarie Farrelly, County and City Managers Association (CCMA)

- Conor Falvey, Department of the Department of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

- Sinéad Copeland, Department of the Department of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

- Deirdre Currivan, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media ( Secretariat)

The Taskforce is co-chaired by Katherine Licken, Secretary General of my Department, and John McCarthy, former Secretary General at the then Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. Its membership includes a range of Government Departments, Agencies whose remit covers aspects of the Night-time Economy and who have valuable input to contribute from a legislative and or policy perspective. The Lord Mayor of Dublin and the Lord Mayor of Cork are also members of the Taskforce given the significant experience in developing the Night-time Economy in Dublin and Cork. Give us the Night are also represented on the Taskforce. Give us the Night is an independent volunteer group of professionals operating within the night-time industry and articulates the views of this Sector to the wider Taskforce. I am confident that the Taskforce represents a wide range of policy perspectives on the Night-time Economy and I look forward to the outcome of their work.

As part of their work, I have asked the Taskforce to conduct an intensive stakeholder engagement process with all relevant sectors and interested parties who have a significant role in the night-time economy to ensure that all views and ideas are considered by the Taskforce. Well over 100 stakeholders from community organisations, business and industry, civic society, cultural sector and sporting organisations were invited to submit their views. Some 58 submissions were received as part of this process and the responses are currently being considered by the Taskforce.

As part of this process, the Taskforce has currently invited a number of groups to present their views to the Group over the course of December. They have already heard from the HSE Alcohol and Mental Health Programme, the HSE National Social Inclusion Office, Alcohol Action Ireland and the Purple Flag Initiative. Further presentations from Groups representing the business, tourism and hospitality sectors as well as groups representing a resident's association and events and entertainment industries will also be part of this process. The Taskforce may also invite further groups in to present their views as they develop their work.

The Taskforce will review the results of the consultation process and is also considering the development of a focus group structure to look at some of the findings and see how they can progress the various issues arising. I have asked the Taskforce to report back to me within six months from their first meeting with a series of recommendations on practical measures which will help us develop a vibrant and sustainable night-time economy.

A range of supports and measures from my own Department and across other Departments have already been established for hard hit sectors which contribute to the night-time economy including the arts and creative sectors and the tourism sectors. However, we need even more creative thinking and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the night-time economy and I want every opportunity explored and maximised. I look forward to the outcome of the work of this Taskforce.

Question No. 254 answered with Question No. 218.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (255, 256)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

255. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the date from which she is starting to accept applications for the €50 million announced in the budget to support the non-State funded live entertainment and events sector given that this is the only funding available to SMEs and sole traders that cannot receive the CRSS; if it will be launched in time to award funding from January or February 2021 to save businesses in the sector from closing permanently due to no targeted funds and no revenue since March 2020 because of the mandated shutdown; if it will award funding in time to allow larger-scale outdoor concerts and events in spring and-or summer 2021 to know now if they can access this fund to help with likely increased costs and reduced capacity (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41743/20]

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Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

256. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason further information on the announced €50 million package for the commercial arts sector, which was broadly welcomed as part of budget 2021, has not been released (details supplied). [41744/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together.

The €50 million allocated for the sector in 2021 will include measures for the commercial entertainment sector which will build on schemes launched under the July stimulus. Officials in my Department have gained further insights into the sector with the running of a number of schemes in recent months and learnings will be applied in allocating funding in 2021.

The response to and the demand for the Music Industry Stimulus Package and the pilot Live Performance Support Scheme was far in excess of what was anticipated, reflecting both the strength of the sector in Ireland as well as the current need for support in the absence of live performance income.

Funding will also see support for activities at community level leading to greater work opportunities for crew and venue workers nationwide while a scheme of capital grants for equipment will also operate in 2021 which will provide additional supports to a sector severely impacted by COVID-19.

My Department will announce details in the coming weeks how funding will be allocated. I am in agreement with the Deputy that the sector needs to be able to access this funding at the earliest possible opportunity and officials are working on this as a priority.

Small and Medium Enterprises

Questions (257)

Noel Grealish

Question:

257. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports including financial grants available to small and medium-sized Irish businesses to help them grow their business online including assistance to purchase equipment and training assistance to upskill staff; the supports that could be availed of by local media outlets such as newspapers and radio stations to boost their online sales and support employment in the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41842/20]

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Written answers

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has responsibility for business supports for the SME sector to support employment and the development of that sector, and I note that the Deputy has also directed his question to that Department. In addition, the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications provides supports to businesses to get online in the form of the Online Trading Voucher Scheme, which has been supplemented by my Department through Údarás na Gaeltachta. Over €1m has been approved for 413 Gaeltacht businesses in the past few months through the Online Trading Voucher Scheme and the COVID-19 Business Continuity Vouchers Scheme, both administered by Údarás na Gaeltachta, along with a series of webinars to share appropriate expertise and an information hub on www.udaras.ie.

In relation to these supports, I was pleased to note the impact the Government horizontal supports are continuing to have on substantially reducing the cost base for the commercial radio sector during the restrictions. A total of €4.3m has been received across the industry from the Government’s COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Support Scheme.   Local radio has also been included in the Government’s current advertising campaign on resilience.  

I acknowledge the valuable role that media plays in countering disinformation, particularly in respect of COVID-19. Local radio plays a particularly important role in bringing communities together, strengthening their bonds of solidarity and mutual support. I recognise the challenges faced by this sector due to COVID-19 and was pleased that a range of supports were delivered to the sector this year.

During 2020, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI)  held two closed rounds for radio, targeted at the independent commercial and community radio sectors respectively.

In June 2020, the BAI awarded €2.5m Sound and Vision funding to 32 independent commercial radio stations across the country supporting public awareness and understanding of COVID-19.  This was in addition to a waiver on the broadcasting levy for the independent radio sector for Q1 and Q2 2020 which saved the sector €1m.  I secured €839,000 in Budget 2021 to recoup the BAI for this levy waiver.

In addition, the BAI distributed €750,000 this year in a special round for the community radio sector.

The purpose of the Sound and Vision Scheme is to support eligible content across the broadcasting sector as a whole, ensuring a balanced and fair approach. In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the sector, I secured an additional €2m in exchequer funding for the Sound and Vision Scheme under the July Stimulus Package. This greatly enhanced the funding available for the final round of the Scheme this year (round 37), bringing its total value to €4.5m.  This funding round is open to those elements of the radio sector that were not eligible for the rounds to commercial and community radio earlier in the year, namely independent audio producers and public service radio. In addition, the round is open to independent audio-visual producers, and commercial, community and public service television stations.  I will continue to work closely with the BAI to see how we can best support the sector in the coming period. 

Tourism Policy

Questions (258)

Imelda Munster

Question:

258. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if Fáilte Ireland has established destination recovery task forces for counties Louth and Meath; and if she will provide information regarding the remit, role and strategy and other relevant information on the task forces. [41868/20]

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Written answers

The establishment of destination recovery task forces is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for any further information and direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Sports Events

Questions (259)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

259. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she plans to take to request that World Athletics give a derogation to Ireland from the political boundary rule of 1934 in order to ensure that athletes from Northern Ireland could compete in European Championships and World Championships for either Ireland or the UK which would be in line with the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement and in turn bring World Athletics in line with the International Olympic Committee that recognises Ireland as the island of Ireland for the Olympic Games. [41889/20]

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Written answers

At the outset, I would like to confirm that neither Minister Martin nor I have responsibility for the rules applied for international championships in athletics. Responsibility rests with the international federation concerned, World Athletics, an independent autonomous organisation. The Government recognises Athletics Ireland as the National Governing Body for athletics in Ireland, and this organisation is affiliated to World Athletics. Athletics Ireland is an independent body and the Government respects its autonomy in matters including engagement with its international federation.

I am informed that Athletics Ireland has corresponded with World Athletics on this matter and that World Athletics have responded advising that following a review of the matter by their legal team that their current position remains unchanged.

I recognise that the proposed derogation would confer additional flexibility of representation to the athletes concerned and Minister Martin and I are accordingly supportive of it. We shall continue to offer our support to Athletics Ireland, should they wish to pursue this matter further.

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