Sports Organisations

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Questions (658)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

658. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is satisfied that an organisation (details supplied) and its affiliated clubs have adequate adult safeguarding structures, clear investigative processes and defined timelines for responding to safeguarding concerns; the actions that will be taken to address reports of prolonged delays, confidentiality breaches and the use of legal style correspondence by clubs when adults raise safety concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30282/26]

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Written answers

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

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 athlete welfare.

Sport Ireland works with National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to ensure that appropriate policies are put in place to take a proactive approach to safeguarding by identifying and mitigating risks to athlete welfare. It also works with NGBs to ensure mechanisms are in place to appropriately react to and handle complaints or issues when they arise.

Ultimately, NGBs are independent autonomous organisations responsible for their own governance including safeguarding procedures and disciplinary and complaints processes.

I have referred the Deputy's questions to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the structures, processes and timelines for responding to concerns, and I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.