Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
300. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will allow indoor sport training for sporting organisations with no national governing body recognised by Sport Ireland such as artistic roller skating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45101/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the current Level 5 restrictions, no sporting events or training are permitted, except for a limited number of exempted elite and professional sportspeople. This applies to sporting activities organised by recognised National Governing Bodies of sport as well as activities organised by other associations and clubs.
The Government fully acknowledges the benefits of sport and physical activity for people’s mental and physical well-being and has done its utmost to facilitate sport as much as it can within the confines imposed by the public health situation, which remains a serious and ongoing threat to people’s lives. On behalf of the Return to Sport Expert Group, Sport Ireland has issued practical guidance for the sports and physical activity sector, which is available on its website and can be applied by all sporting clubs and groups.
Detailed operating protocols aligned with public health advice will continue to be required, as and when the Government determines that a return to sporting activity can be facilitated. It is also essential that these protocols are underpinned by robust compliance and monitoring structures and processes to ensure effective and consistent compliance and adherence with their requirements, a function which will continue to be fulfilled by the National Governing Bodies under the supervision of Sport Ireland.
The recognition process for achieving the status of a National Governing Body for a sport in Ireland is a matter solely for Sport Ireland, which has the legislative responsibility for the development of sport in Ireland pursuant to the Sport Ireland Act 2015. There are over 60 recognised National Governing Bodies which have each demonstrated their capacity to organise training and competitions in their respective codes and to implement policies for health and safety, safeguarding and other matters. These cover a broad range of sports from field sports, Olympic disciplines and minority sports. There are also a number of sporting bodies which are currently working towards recognition, with the support of Sport Ireland. Further information on the recognition process is available on the agency's website www.sportireland.ie.
