Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
484. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she or officials in her Department have engaged with a union (details supplied) regarding its recent decision to support reserving access to female-only teams and games to persons who are biologically female; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42652/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra485. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if it is the policy of her Department to support the preservation of female sports as activities reserved to those who are biological females; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 484 and 485 together.
All National Governing Bodies of Sport are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own operational arrangements, procedures and competition rules for their sports. All sports are governed by the Rules of Sports which are developed and implemented by their International Federation of Sport and it is a matter for individual sports and their international federations to develop policies and rules for their own sports on participation by those who identify as male or female.
As Minister with responsibility for sport, I will continue to emphasise and promote the importance of inclusiveness and fairness in all aspects of sport. We are always striving to ensure that sport is welcoming and inclusive and that opportunities exist for everyone to participate in sport, while recognising that issues such as participation by transgender and non-binary persons are complex and sensitive.
Many sporting organisations are seeking guidance and support in developing their policies in this area and Sport Ireland is working with the sport sector to see how they can best support organisations. That work is ongoing and Sport Ireland will continue to offer assistance and guidance to sporting organisations but ultimately it is the sporting organisations themselves that establish the rules and policies for their own sports.
With regard to the specific governing body referred to by the Deputy, my Department was advised by the governing body of the imminent publication of its amended policy on the day of publication. I welcome that the governing body is committed to a continued review of the matter and to working directly with players affected by this policy and with the wider LGBT+ community.
