Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
365. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his position on the continued participation of Israel in FIBA given issues that have been raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2947/26]
View answer366. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will support the Ireland senior women’s basketball team play against Israel in a EuroBasket qualifier match given issues that have been raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2948/26]
View answerAs Minister for Sport I am fully supportive of our athletes competing at the highest level of International competition.
However, it is important to make clear that neither the Government nor Sport Ireland has a role in determining who can participate in international competitions organised by international sporting federations.
National governing bodies of sport (NGBs) and their overarching international sporting federations are independent, autonomous bodies responsible for the governance of their own sports, including the organisation of sporting fixtures.
Ireland supports efforts to preserve the ceasefire in Gaza, which has now been in place for over three months. All parties must adhere to their commitments in full, desist from any actions inconsistent with what has been agreed, and continue to negotiate in good faith to ensure full implementation.
