Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
65. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way that Sport Ireland and national governing bodies are responding to the crisis in Ukraine and the need to support the thousands of Ukrainians fleeing the war; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32400/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraShortly after Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, enabled by the Belarusian government, I and 37 other sports Ministers in Europe and elsewhere issued a joint statement strongly condemning that aggression but also including a call for the international sport community to continue to show its solidarity with the people of Ukraine, including through supporting the continuation of Ukrainian sport where possible.
In addition to this important joint statement of international solidarity with Ukraine, I have also written to Sport Ireland and individually to each of the 66 National Governing Bodies of sport in Ireland, urging those bodies to support and encourage practical measures of support to Ukraine from within their club membership and networks.
I am advised that there has been a strong and widespread expression of support and solidarity from the Irish sporting community for those Ukrainian people fleeing the completely unjustifiable war against their country. Individual NGBs have introduced measures within their sports to welcome Ukrainian Refugees and support their integration into local communities. Examples of such measures include:
- the waiving of player, coach and referee license fees for Ukrainian citizens to participate and officiate in the sport concerned;
- the removal of registration deadlines; and
- the provision of free training wear and other sports equipment.
Sport Ireland is also actively encouraging all National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to extend a warm welcome to the Ukrainian people, and to facilitate their integration into Irish society.
