Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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225. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she was consulted about the appointment of a judge to review the recent allegations concerning cheating and fixing of Irish dancing competitions as revealed in a newspaper (details supplied); the extent of such consultation and or advice requested and offered by her Department, if any; when the attention of her Department was first drawn to such allegations. [50976/22]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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There has been no funding regulatory or accreditation role between my Department or its agencies and the organisation to which the Deputy refers. I can also confirm that neither I as Minister nor my Department were consulted about the appointment in question. I have however welcomed reports that a retired judge has been appointed to examine these allegations. I have also written to the organisation in question to seek assurances that it is taking timely and transparent steps to restore confidence for the many families around Ireland and further afield that have a love for Irish dancing and that fairness is at the heart of all of their competitions.