17 Sep 2020, 15:18
The Oireachtas Committee on Covid-19 Response will hear from officials from the GAA, IRFU and FAI on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on sport in Ireland, at meeting in Leinster House, tomorrow, Friday, 18 September.
Representatives from Sport Ireland and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will also appear before the Committee of TDs in the Seanad Chamber over two sessions tomorrow.
- John Horan, Uachtarán, GAA, Tom Ryan, Ard Stiúrthóir, GAA, Philip Browne, CEO, IRFU, Stephen McNamara, Director of Communications, IRFU, Gary Owens, Interim Chief Executive, FAI, Mark Scanlon, Director, League of Ireland, FAI will appear before the Committee at 10.30am.
- John Kelly, Assistant Secretary (Acting), Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht , John Treacy, CEO, Sport Ireland are among the witnesses that will appear before the Committee when the meeting resumes at 1pm.
Committee Chair, Michael McNamara TD said: “The public health restrictions in response to Covid-19 have had a severe impact on sport bodies, player and fans. Limits on the size of gatherings and the number of spectators allowed at events are among the challenges faced under on-going guidelines in place.
The Committee looks forward to hearing from the FAI IRFU and GAA on their plans to overcome these challenges and the work underway by the three organisations to develop a roadmap for the safe return of spectators to stadia.
“The Committee also welcomes the opportunity to hear from Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht officials and Sport Ireland on plans in place to support sporting bodies over the months ahead.”
The witnesses from the IRFU and Department are appearing remotely. The witnesses from the FAI, GAA and Sport Ireland are appearing from Committee Room 2.
Watch the Committee live here.