Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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519. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress on his call for an organisation (details supplied) to implement measures still outstanding from the 2002 Genesis report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41346/17]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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It is my understanding that the question relates to the recommendation that this large sporting organisation should have an independent external non-executive director.

All National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs) are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own governance procedures and competition rules for their sports. It is a matter for the NGBs themselves to appoint their board members in accordance with the rules of the organisation and in compliance, where applicable, with the relevant provisions of company law.

However, I fully recognise the need to maintain public confidence in all State funded bodies. It is vital that the highest standards of governance are in place across all levels of Irish sport to ensure accountability, fairness and transparency across organisational activities and support the integrity of sport both at home and abroad.

Corporate governance is a key priority moving forward for Sport Ireland funded bodies.  To this end the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations 2016 will become a condition of funding.  It is a requirement for all Sport Ireland funded bodies to start the process of adopting the Code during 2017.  Larger organisations are to complete the journey to implementing its principles and practices on a comply-or-explain basis by 1 January 2019. Smaller organisations are to complete the journey to implementing its principles and practices on a comply-or-explain basis by 1 January 2020.

Good governance practices in all sporting organisations, whether NGB, LSP or sports clubs, is a key aim in the upcoming National Sports Policy. The Policy recognises that it is imperative that transparency and good governance is at the heart of all publicly-funded sports organisations into the future. As such, it will encourage the early adoption by all sporting organisations of the Governance Code. This Code, which has been adopted by Sport Ireland, is principles-based and has a framework which can help to assess how these organisations are progressing towards developing stronger governance practices.

I hold the view that independent external board members are helpful for good corporate governance.  In the case of large sporting organisations that receive significant public funding, I would encourage and expect them to consider appointing such persons to their boards.