Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
14. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the supports available through his Department and bodies under its aegis, such as Sport Ireland, to support darts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33096/26]
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 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 NGB, or National Governing Body for Sport.
As there is no Sport Ireland-recognised NGB for darts, there is no mechanism by which darts 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 support darts.
However, 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. There is no alternative mechanism for organisations to seek NGB recognition or support from Sport Ireland outside of this process.
I recognise the wide levels of interest in darts in Ireland and I would encourage any organisation wishing to gain Sport Ireland recognition as a NGB for darts to engage directly with Sport Ireland which can then advise as to the detail of the application process. In this regard, the relevant organisation should request a formal meeting with Sport Ireland to discuss its proposed application and the wider process, prior to submitting a formal application for recognition as a NGB to Sport Ireland.
