Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 18 November 2020
Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht
Key Priorities for Sport Ireland and Impact of Covid-19 on Sports Sector: Sport Ireland
Mr. John Treacy:
Fortunately with the money given by government, the organisations have not dismantled any operation. They are still up and running. They availed of the wage subsidy scheme also, which was a godsend for many of the sporting organisations and they were able to keep people employed, which was critical. When the green light is given, I have no doubt they will be off and running. Many of the competitions are not being held at present but governing bodies are doing things online and having virtual cycles and runs. They are being creative in terms of what they are doing. We need to thank the GAA, FAI and IRFU for taking high risks in trying to put on events during this lockdown period. They have kept us all occupied during these months and they are to be commended for it. It is hard at present. Every sporting organisation and every athlete is biting at the bit to get back into competition.
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