Sport and Recreational Development

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

Questions (145)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

145. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will facilitate discussions with all relevant stakeholders in athletics across the island of Ireland, to engage in discussions on possibility of derogation from the World Athletics’ 1934 Political Boundary rule that prohibits athletes from the North of Ireland from representing Ireland at European and World Athletics Competitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15377/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport

I consider that athletes and sportspersons from all parts of Ireland should have the choice to represent Ireland at all major international competitions.

Ultimately, responsibility for this matter rests with World Athletics, an independent autonomous organisation. Sport Ireland recognises Athletics Ireland as the National Governing Body for athletics in Ireland and which is affiliated to World Athletics. Athletics Ireland operates independently, including in its engagements with World Athletics.

It is clear that for this matter to be addressed it will need to be driven by the athletic authorities here in Ireland, in collaboration with their counterparts in the UK, through engagement with World Athletics.