Federation of Irish Sport

The Federation of Irish Sport (established by the National Governing Bodies of Sport (“NGBs”) in 2002 to act as representative body for all sporting organisations and to provide an independent voice for sport. Membership is open to NGBs as well as sporting organisations whose primary purpose is the promotion of sport and/or physical recreation on a non-commercial basis. The membership is currently comprised of in excess of 60 NGBs and a number of Local Sports Partnerships. The Federation is committed to:- 1. Representing the interests of the sporting community to government; 2. Raising political awareness as to the benefit of sport as a force for good in our society; 3. Influencing the development of effective sports policy; and 4. Building the capacity of member organisations through the provision of training and networking opportunities) wishes to update you, with just over two weeks to go to the election, on some of the work the Federation is doing in relation to same.

The Federation has over the last number of weeks been liaising with all of the political parties in relation to their sports policy and provision of same in their manifestos. An analysis of all policy provisions from each party will be circulated just as soon as they are available. The Federation will also do some media work around this to ensure sport is on the agenda. Already, the Last Word on Todayfm have committed to covering the issue on Friday 18th.  

The Federation is also put the following 3 questions to each party: 

1. Which FF/FG/L/GP/SF policies and plans harness sport's impact on health, the economy and quality of life?
2. Is FF/FG/L/GP/SF committed to maintaining the current level of state investment in Irish sport over the life of the next government?
3. What proportion of National Lottery proceeds will FF/FG/L/GP/SF earmark to fund sport?

The Federation asks everyone involved in sport, families, friends and neighbours to put the 3 questions  to any canvassing candidates. You might ask them to feedback the responses received.  

The only manifesto published to date is the FF one. Unfortunately, there was no provision for sport. This absence was heightened by the presence of a section on arts & culture and a commitment to ensure that sector continues to be represented at cabinet. I have been in contact with the outgoing Minister, Mary Hanafin and the newly appointed spokesperson on sport Darragh O’Brien in relation to this and to see if they will be issuing a separate policy document on sport. 

Many thanks for your assistance in relation to this issue. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any  queries or wish to discuss any of the above on 01 6251155 or by email to email to sarah.oconnor@irishsports.ie.