Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
314. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the oversight that exists to ensure that complaints relating to governance failures or misconduct at local committee level are handled consistently, fairly and transparently by national governing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33835/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNational Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs) are independent autonomous organisation, and as such, are responsible for governance at national, local and other levels of their sports, including disciplinary and complaints processes.
Sport Ireland, as Ireland's sports development agency, works with NGBs to ensure that appropriate governance and safeguarding policies are put in place, as well as mechanisms to handle complaints or issues when they arise. This work is underpinned by Sport Ireland's Governance Code for Sport, compliance with which is a condition of funding for NGBs.
The Code highlights principles-based governance and contains five principles addressing, among other things, leadership, transparency, accountability and integrity. The detailed level of Code implementation under the Code is differentiated by organisation size, i.e. for very small (Type A), medium (Type B) and large (Type C) organisations.
Regarding safeguarding, Sport Ireland has set criteria for safeguarding compliance. This is a compulsory requirement for NGBs linked to funding. This criteria is reviewed twice annually.
Further to this, Sport Ireland works with NGBs to ensure that appropriate policies are put in place to take a proactive approach to safeguarding by identifying and mitigating risks to player welfare. Sport Ireland also works with NGBs to ensure mechanisms are in place to appropriately react to and handle complaints or issues when they arise
In August 2023, a new national Code of Conduct template for sporting organisations was launched by Sport Ireland.. The Code sets out guidelines and principles promoting the behaviours and conduct expected from athletes, coaches, parents and guardians, supporters, referees and officials, and all club members.
All NGBs are expected to use this template Code of Conduct as an opportunity to review their existing policies and procedures for handling code breaches, to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved in Irish sport.
