Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
302. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to an organisation (details supplied) that has lifted its ban on Russian and Belarussian athletes competing; if its Irish equivalent has a stance on this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50285/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the decision to which the Deputy refers and I consider the lifting of the ban by any sport on athletes competing internationally as part of Russian and Belarussian teams is unjustified and unwarranted. European Ministers of Sport have previously stated that Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war against Ukraine is abhorrent and a flagrant breach of its international obligations. Respect for human rights and peaceful relations between nations form the foundation of international sport.
