Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media to discuss elimination of abuse against referees, officials and players in sport

The meeting at 1.30pm in Committee Room 1 of Leinster House will hear from representatives of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Irish Soccer Referees Society.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Niamh Smyth said: “The Committee has noted with concern increasing reports of abuse, intimidation and even violence against referees, officials and players at matches across the country. While much of the abuse involves verbal attacks and threats, there have been several cases involving assaults which have been reported to the Gardaí and which have led to those who carried out such attacks receiving long bans from their respective sports.

“This is not just a problem here in Ireland as global governing bodies like FIFA and World Rugby have become involved in attempts to combat these issues among their member countries all over the world. The Committee agreed to engage with key stakeholders to examine this issue, both at local and national level.

“Members look forward to discussing the matter with the GAA, IRFU, FAI and the Soccer Referees Society, particularly what the State can do to assist sports bodies in their efforts to eliminate such abuse, intimidation and violence and to better protect referees, officials and players before, during and after matches.”

The Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media  has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 1 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.