Séamus McGrath
Ceist:144. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the funding streams available for a young chess player (details supplied [22750/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 25 March 2026
Ceisteanna (144)
Freagraí scríofa
Sport Ireland, which is funded by this 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 under its various programmes. Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for clubs or individuals but channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Body (NGB).
As there is no Sport Ireland-recognised NGB for chess, there is no mechanism by which chess organisations/clubs or players can secure funding from Sport Ireland. There is no discretionary funding available to my Department through which financial assistance can be provided to chess players or other individual athletes.
Sport Ireland operates a formal recognition process for organisations wishing to become eligible for support as NGBs. The recognition criteria set out the minimum requirements for NGB recognition and the additional criteria that may need to be met to receive financial investment from Sport Ireland.
Any organisation wishing to gain Sport Ireland recognition as a NGB is advised to engage directly with Sport Ireland which can advise as to the application process. Sport Ireland can be contacted directly in this regard via e-mail at recognition@sportireland.ie or by telephone on 01-8608800.