Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Sport Ireland, as the agency responsible for the development of sport in Ireland, has actively encouraged all of Ireland’s National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships to welcome into the Irish sporting community all of those fleeing the war in Ukraine and I am pleased to note that the sector has responded in a very supportive and heartening manner.

The sector has extended, and continues to do so, a warm welcome to Ukrainians thus facilitating their integration into Irish society. I believe that in doing so, the sports sector has helped to provide a semblance of normality and hope to those displaced by the totally unprovoked and unwarranted aggression against Ukraine and I commend the sector for its generosity of spirit and practical support on the ground.

NGBs and local sports clubs continue to integrate Ukrainian refugees into their existing activities. This differs from sport to sport depending on their size, scale, geographical location and relevance of the sport as certain sports such as volleyball, athletics and football are more familiar to those arriving to Ireland from Ukraine. Examples of sports integration initiatives are set out below.

Volleyball/Volleyball Ireland

Examples of integration measures include:

• The indefinite waiving of player, coach and referee license fees for Ukrainian refugees to participate and officiate in the sport
• Ukrainian refugees will be exempt from National League registration deadlines
• Volleyball Ireland will cover the cost of associated club registration and participation fees for Ukrainian refugees
• Volleyball Ireland will provide any required training wear and other Volleyball equipment to support Ukrainian refugees to participate in Volleyball club programmes.

Examples of integration measures include:

• Athletics Ireland is offering Ukrainian citizens wishing to join athletics clubs in Ireland free membership
• Athletics Ireland in association with the Sanctuary Runners organised a global 'Run For Ukraine' with people taking part across the world
• Proceeds went to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

Examples of integration measures include:

• The FAI allocated 2,000 tickets to the Ukrainian refugee community in Ireland for the UEFA Nations League game against Ukraine at the Aviva Stadium
• They also committed to a donation of €100,000 to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis appeal from the proceeds of ticket sales for the fixture
• Welcome packs were also developed to support integration at grassroots club football.