Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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323. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage a suitably qualified independent sports mediator to arbitrate in the ongoing dispute between the board of directors and the central council of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44648/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs), including the National Governing Body (NGB) referred to by the Deputy, are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own governance procedures and competition rules for their sports. Notwithstanding that, Sport Ireland is the statutory body responsible for the promotion, development and coordination of sport, including the allocation of funding to NGBs and associated governance procedures.

Under the directive of Sport Ireland, external auditors conducted an audit into the NGB referred to by the Deputy, which concluded in June 2017. This audit was tasked with reviewing the governance and financial administration of the organisation. The Sport Ireland Audit Committee has established an Audit Liaison Group to closely monitor and support the NGB's implementation of the recommendations set out in the audit report. I understand that the NGB has expressed their commitment to implementing the recommendations in full. This audit, combined with the Rio Review, provides the NGB with clarity on actions needed to return to NGB best practice.

In June 2017, the NGB referred to by the Deputy approved and published a new Rule Book. I understand that, to support this, the NGB has sought the expertise of a consultant to ensure its Constitution is aligned completely with the new Rule book. I also understand that, at the NGB’s recent Convention, a new President was elected as well as a number of new board members.

It is not my role or intention to intervene in any internal disputes in NGBs. However, as indicated above, Sport Ireland has taken a proactive approach to ensure that appropriate governance shall prevail in this organisation, as required in all funded NGBs.