Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Ó Donnghaile for raising this matter.

I have met with representatives of the Friends of Irish Athletics, which is the group that has campaigned for a change in World Athletics policy in this area for some time. I have repeatedly indicated my view that athletes and sportspersons from all parts of Ireland should have the choice to represent Ireland at all major international competitions. This position has been conveyed in official discussions with our counterparts in Northern Ireland. It is a shared position between both jurisdictions. Regrettably, the application by World Athletics of this almost 90-year rule continues to split the athletics world in Ireland.

Unfortunately, it is also the case that this ongoing issue is affecting the pursuit and development of broader sports policy objectives for the benefit of all sports, including the great sport of athletics that has provided us all with some wonderful sporting memories over the years. However, it must be accepted that responsibility for the rule in question, including the possibility of its potential abolition, rests solely with the international federation concerned, World Athletics, which is an independent autonomous organisation. A derogation from the rule concerned would confer additional flexibility of representation on the athletes concerned. I have made my position in this regard known to World Athletics.

As a consequence of my inquiries, World Athletics has provided a number of important and notable clarifications that affirm the key roles of Athletics Ireland and their counterpart, UK Athletics, in all such membership issues. World Athletics has confirmed that, from a governance standpoint, any membership change or amendment on the territorial jurisdiction for the sport of athletics is ultimately a matter for determination by the world athletic authorities. World Athletics has in particular emphasised the relevance of its transfer-of-allegiance regulations, which govern the ability of all athletes from anywhere in the world to change their allegiance to represent a country internationally. I am arranging to forward a copy of these regulations to the Senator.

Although neither l nor my Department have any role in the establishment or application of the regulations, there are a number of important aspects that may offer scope for progress. First, the regulations set out that where an athlete has never represented a member at the international level, they are free to choose their chosen country without an application or other procedure to be followed. This provision also applies for athletes that have dual nationality. Second, where an athlete has represented a member and wishes to change their allegiance, it is the case that such athletes do need to apply for approval. Each application is assessed by a panel from the athletic authorities, which has scope to waive requirements of the rules if the facts and merits of an individual application merit such a waiver.

As the Senator is no doubt aware, this matter has been ongoing for a considerable period. The path to a resolution continues to remain elusive. The State's capacity to intervene in the matter is limited. The focus of further efforts must lie in fostering a dialogue between the parties concerned. In the interests of fostering such a dialogue, I have asked officials from Sport Ireland to liaise with Athletics Ireland. I have also asked Sport Ireland to consider the options available in the context of taking the matter further. I would be interested in hearing the Senator's perspective, specifically any new arguments he might put forward that could be marshalled in support of this case.

I share the Senator's objectives. I would like to see progress on this matter. I have reflected that directly to Seb Coe, the head of World Athletics. I want to see this matter advanced. Obviously, a direct change is out of our hands. However, we are happy to engage and work with the Senator on this issue.