Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
30. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps she is taking on the issue of diversity and female representation on Boards and within executive positions across Sport in Ireland, agencies and National Governing Bodies of Sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32257/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing women’s participation at all levels in sport is an important element of the National Sports Policy. That includes women in leadership positions such as board members of National Governing Bodies (NGBs).
In the Action Plan for Sport 2021-2023 all NGBs are being asked to achieve 40% gender representation on their boards by the end of 2023. Failure to achieve this representation will result in financial consequences for NGBs. It is a particular priority for me and for Minister Catherine Martin to enable women to take more leadership positions in sport and the 40% target reflects this prioritisation.
Sporting bodies are making significant efforts to improve diversity and gender representation on their boards. The most recent Board Composition Snapshot, which was published by Sport Ireland in December 2021, shows that the overall percentage of women on boards of NGBs has increased from 24% in 2019 to 32% in 2021. The Snapshot also highlights that 39 NGBs have now achieved 30% or more women on their board, up from 19 NGBs in 2019.
Sport Ireland continues to assist NGBs and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in achieving gender balance within their boards. It also provides gender diversity training to NGBs and LSPs, along with developing and investing in leadership and mentorship courses for women and girls.
In addition, Sport Ireland launched its first Diversity & Inclusion Policy in Sport in May 2022. This Policy will underpin our efforts to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included in sport, whether that is in terms of active involvement, spectating, volunteering, administration or a whole host of other roles. The Sports Action Plan 2021-2023 places an important emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and the implementation of this policy will drive that process forward.
