Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this matter, on which I have recently had correspondence from the Friends of Irish Athletics group. I have familiarised myself thoroughly with the extensive series of correspondences and discussions that have already occurred with previous Ministers and Agencies on this same topic over several years, in particular with my immediate predecessor Jack Chambers.

I am happy to confirm that I share the same view as my predecessors in this matter. Athletes and sportspersons from all parts of Ireland should have the choice to represent Ireland at all major international competitions. This is the case at the Olympic Games, where athletes from across the island of Ireland can choose to compete for Team Ireland.

However, as previously advised to the House on the 8th of December, 2020, in response to a similar question on this issue (No. 41889), neither Minister Martin nor I have responsibility for the rules applied for international championships in athletics. Responsibility rests with the international federation concerned, World Athletics, an independent autonomous organisation. The Government recognises Athletics Ireland as the National Governing Body for athletics in Ireland, and this organisation is affiliated to World Athletics. Athletics Ireland is an independent body and the Government respects its autonomy in matters including engagement with its international federation.

I recognise that the proposed derogation would confer additional flexibility of representation to the athletes concerned and Minister Martin and I are accordingly supportive of it. Whilst we will continue to offer our support to Athletics Ireland the principal onus remains on the Irish athletics community to progress the case for a derogation from the 1934 Rule.

It is clear from the engagement and discussion already undertaken on this matter over several years that for a derogation request to be presented convincingly before the world athletic authorities, with a reasonable prospect of a successful outcome being achieved, that case will have to be driven principally by the athletic authorities here in Ireland, in collaboration with their counterparts in the UK.