Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Addressing female participation at all levels in sport is an important element of the National Sports Policy and a core priority for myself and Minister Catherine Martin. That includes women in leadership positions such as board members of National Governing Bodies (NGBs).

The Sports Action Plan set a target for all NGBs to achieve 40% gender representation on their boards by the end of 2023. It is a priority to enable women to take more leadership positions in sport and the 40% target reflects this prioritisation. The average percentage of women on boards of NGBs has increased from 24% in 2019 to 43% at end-2023. In relation to the overall percentage of women on boards in the Irish sports sector, which includes Local Sports Partnerships, this now stands at 44%. Progress continues to be made and I was pleased to note that the FAI achieved the 40% target with the appointment of two new female directors last weekend.

Those NGBs who have not obtained the target of 40% gender balance on their boards will only be permitted to draw down 50% of their funding allocation from Sport Ireland this year until such time as they reach the 40% target. Sport Ireland will continue to provide support to NGBs towards achieving the target of 40% and will monitor and report on progress.