Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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223. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports his Department can provide to a body (details supplied) to ensure the return of motorcycle racing in Ireland, having been unable to hold any events in the past number of years due to issues obtaining insurance; if the Department will support this association to allow it to run the seven road races planned in the State this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22358/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Sport Ireland channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Body of sport (NGB). There is no mechanism by which Sport Ireland can allocate funding outside of this process.

Government is aware that a small number of activity-related sectors, including motorcycle sports, have faced difficulties in terms of affordability and availability of insurance.

Motorcycling Ireland (MCI) is the national governing body for all motorcycling competitions in the Republic of Ireland.

I understand that the Road Racing Alliance of Ireland is a new organisation with a view to running competitions in Ireland; however, Sport Ireland operates a formal recognition process for organisations wishing to become eligible for support as Governing Bodies of Sport.

The recognition criteria establish minimum requirements for all organisations wishing to apply for recognition and, in turn receive support and, where additional Sport Ireland criteria may be met, financial investment from Sport Ireland.

The recognition process and anything related to the National Governing Bodies is a matter for Sport Ireland and as such, 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 days.