Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2024
223. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason bridge, draughts and such are not considered sport and therefore ineligible for funding under local sports partnerships (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40083/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport 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 recognition of sports in Ireland. Current funding allocated to Sport Ireland provides for expenditure on sports programmes, including grants to recognised National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs); Local Sports Partnerships; International Carding Scheme; and support for other sporting bodies (e.g. Olympic Federation of Ireland).
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. As part of the recognition criteria, Sport Ireland must be satisfied that the activity meets the criteria for sport as outlined in the Sport Ireland Act 2015, which is adopted from the Council of Europe “Definition of Sport”. The onus is on the organisation applying for recognition to provide evidence that their activity meets the definition.
Further information on the Recognition Process and Criteria is available on the Sport Ireland website here. Sport Ireland can be contacted directly by e-mail at recognition@sportireland.ie or by telephone on 01-8608800.
