Written answers

Wednesday, 10 November 2021

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Sports Organisations

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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90. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Sport Ireland is insisting that all players must be vaccinated to participate in games indoors (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54791/21]

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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At its meeting on 19 October 2021, and following consideration of the public health advice, Government agreed that additional aspects of society can reopen only with the full range of protective measures in place. As such, current restrictions under the Government’s plan state that organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place. For indoor sports, this means:

- Where individuals have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted (excluding adult coaches/instructors).

- Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures.

- The overall number of pods will have regard to the size of venue and there should be substantial social distance between individual pods.

- For Vaccinated individuals no fixed capacity limits apply to these activities.

- For spectators, the use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate) will be required for accessing indoor sporting activities and events.

- Vaccinated spectators attending indoor sporting events should be fully seated.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Government agreed last week to widen the range of sporting opportunities for young people which enables under 18 indoor sports games and competitions in sports such as basketball to go ahead. On foot of this, updated guidance has been provided by Sport Ireland to sporting organisations to allow children under 18 years of age to participate in indoor games and competition activities according to the ordinary rules and limits of the sport concerned. The full guidance can be accessed on the Sport Ireland website at:

www.sportireland.ie/covid19/return-to-sport-and-physical-activity

Photo of Imelda MunsterImelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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91. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of efforts by an organisation (details supplied) to improve corporate governance structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54808/21]

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Sport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for governance oversight of recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport.

Sport Ireland has been engaging with the organisation mentioned by the Deputy in relation to governance procedures within the organisation. I am informed by Sport Ireland that the organisation has taken steps to improve its governance significantly over the last few years and that a range of actions have been undertaken which have been supported by Sport Ireland.

I am further informed that, to address ongoing concerns, the organisation requested Sport Ireland to sponsor an independent governance review. That review is underway and involves a comprehensive consultation process. I understand that the review is expected to be completed by the end of December.

As governance oversight is a matter for Sport Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 working days.

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