Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
594. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider introducing minimum standards or funding conditions of grant investment in sports governing bodies, to ensure equitable support for juvenile athletes representing Ireland internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6259/26]
View answerSport 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. Except for its High Performance International Carding Programme, Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for individual athletes but channels the funding through its network of Local Sports Partnerships, recognised National Governing Bodies for sport (NGBs), and other relevant sporting organisations.
While Sport Ireland’s remit includes the allocation of funding to NGBs for the design and implementation of a range of targeted programmes and initiatives to promote increased sports participation, neither this Department, nor Sport Ireland, has responsibility for how NGBs manage and promote their respective sports. All NGBs are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own governance and operational procedures, including athlete development and support.
The participation by individuals and teams in international sporting competitions are matters for the relevant NGB and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in such matters.
