Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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557. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has consulted with, offered administrative advice or financial aid to all-island sporting bodies (details supplied) in the context of Brexit; the degree of assistance he has offered to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52867/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Sport Ireland is the main statutory organisation that liaises with Ireland's national governing bodies of sport (NGBs), including those 45 bodies that operate on an all-island basis. The question of consultation, or the provision of operational advice or assistance of the type indicated by the Deputy, would accordingly be more appropriate for that agency to consider. I have therefore referred the question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

It is however pertinent to emphasise that all NGBs are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own operational arrangements, procedures and competition rules for their sports.

As acknowledged in the National Sports Policy, the uncertainty associated with Brexit adds to the capacity building challenge facing the sport sector. I can assure the Deputy that my Department and Sport Ireland would work constructively to assist any NGB to deal with any challenges that might arise as a result of Brexit.