Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
279. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) will be withdrawing from the world championships 2021; the considerations being given to the sport to allow for participants to return to training in preparation for the European championships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10586/21]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including high performance sport. Gymnastics Ireland have confirmed to Sport Ireland that they will not be sending an Irish team to compete in the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships this year. The event is not considered to fall within the parameters of ‘essential travel’ by the National Governing Body. It is not a discipline within Gymnastics which is included in the Olympic Games programme for Tokyo.
Sport Ireland have also informed me that it was not considered possible to safely stage trials for selection in advance of the event whilst Ireland remains in the higher levels of the restrictions necessary to safeguard public health.
Sport Ireland recognises that High Performance Programmes must prioritise their attendance at major internationals and may be required to forego attendance at events which they would otherwise compete in but are not essential for Olympic/Paralympic preparations.
