Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
732. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware of the lack of comprehensive adult safeguarding policies within certain sporting organisations, particularly in relation to bullying, harassment, and stalking of adult members; the way in which compliance with robust adult safeguarding frameworks is linked to eligibility for public funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12318/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra733. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the requirements currently placed on sporting organisations both nationally and at a community level in receipt of public funding to have adult safeguarding policies that explicitly address bullying, harassment, and stalking between adult members; and whether funding will be contingent on the implementation and regular review of such policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12319/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra734. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if Sport Ireland requires national governing bodies and other funded sports organisations to implement and enforce adult safeguarding frameworks comparable to child safeguarding standards; and if he will commit to linking future funding allocations to compliance with these adult safeguarding obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra735. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the way in which complaints of bullying, harassment, or stalking involving adult participants in sporting organisations are currently overseen or monitored at both a national level; and community level; whether adherence to clear adult safeguarding procedures is a condition of ongoing public funding and governance compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra736. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will review the governance and safeguarding conditions attached to Sport Ireland funding to ensure that adult participants are protected from bullying, harassment, and stalking within sporting organisations; and if he will consider making full compliance with adult safeguarding policies a mandatory requirement for receipt of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12322/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra737. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the guidance, supports, or training that are provided by his Department or Sport Ireland to assist sporting organisations in developing robust adult safeguarding and anti-harassment policies; and whether ongoing funding is dependent on participation in these programmes and implementation of policy standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12323/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra738. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he accepts that the absence of clear adult safeguarding policies may discourage participation in sport, particularly among women and vulnerable adults; the steps that will be taken to make adult safeguarding compliance a condition of public funding, governance approval, and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12324/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737 and 738 together.
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 matter raised by the Deputy and I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
