Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
237. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has engaged with the Government of Japan to ensure the safety of the Irish Olympic team if the team is to travel in summer 2021 to participate in the planned Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5627/21]
View answerMy Department maintains regular contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs, including with representatives of our diplomatic representation in Japan, in relation to the upcoming Games. Direct engagement with the Japanese authorities is pursued through Ireland's diplomatic representation in Japan. The safety of the Irish Olympic and Paralympic teams is of paramount importance. The Deputy can be assured that all necessary measures will be taken, and contacts maintained, to ensure that they can participate safely and to the best of their abilities.
The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, the Japanese Government, the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee all remain steadfast in their commitment to hosting the Games this summer. On behalf of our Government, I wish the Government of Japan every success for the Games. While there are challenges, we are confident that these can be overcome. We are firmly behind Team Ireland and my Department and Sport Ireland will do everything we can to support their preparations in the months ahead. I am looking forward to seeing our athletes proudly representing Ireland, and hopefully reaching the podium in Tokyo.
