Sports Events

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Ceisteanna (259)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

259. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she plans to take to request that World Athletics give a derogation to Ireland from the political boundary rule of 1934 in order to ensure that athletes from Northern Ireland could compete in European Championships and World Championships for either Ireland or the UK which would be in line with the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement and in turn bring World Athletics in line with the International Olympic Committee that recognises Ireland as the island of Ireland for the Olympic Games. [41889/20]

Freagraí scríofa

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

At the outset, I would like to confirm that neither Minister Martin nor I have responsibility for the rules applied for international championships in athletics. Responsibility rests with the international federation concerned, World Athletics, an independent autonomous organisation. The Government recognises Athletics Ireland as the National Governing Body for athletics in Ireland, and this organisation is affiliated to World Athletics. Athletics Ireland is an independent body and the Government respects its autonomy in matters including engagement with its international federation.

I am informed that Athletics Ireland has corresponded with World Athletics on this matter and that World Athletics have responded advising that following a review of the matter by their legal team that their current position remains unchanged.

I recognise that the proposed derogation would confer additional flexibility of representation to the athletes concerned and Minister Martin and I are accordingly supportive of it. We shall continue to offer our support to Athletics Ireland, should they wish to pursue this matter further.