Sport Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021

Wednesday, 31 March 2021

Questions (435)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

435. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the arrangements between Sport Ireland and a person (details supplied) in respect of the governance audit of an organisation; if the role to assist the organisation was advertised by Sport Ireland and or the organisation; the contract that exists between Sport Ireland and the person; if his attention has been drawn to the engagement of a consultant to assist with the review; and if he is satisfied that all tendering for the hiring of a person and engagement of a company is fully compliant with public procurement procedures. [16775/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Sport Ireland has no involvement in the governance review of the organisation mentioned by the Deputy nor in the arrangements between the organisation and the person engaged in respect of the review. Such arrangements are a matter for the organisation itself.

I understand that in 2020 the organisation identified that it required assistance in assessing supports and structures necessary to deliver on its sponsorship, commercial and revenue generating goals and it approached the person mentioned by the Deputy with a view to that person assisting in the capacity of a commercial/business consultant. Sport Ireland had no role in the engagement of that person by the organisation.

Subsequently, the person recommended to the organisation that a wider governance review be conducted. While Sport Ireland is not aware of any particular governance concerns within the organisation, it agrees that a governance review be undertaken as a broader best practice exercise. Sport Ireland is not directly involved in this matter and has not been updated on its progress. Any subsequent work and appointments relating to the governance review are entirely a matter for the organisation itself.

Sport Ireland has indicated that it will support these initiatives by the organisation as part of its normal business and engagement with the organisation in 2021.