Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin has said she has written to Irish Dance organisation Comisiún na Rincí Gaelacha to seek assurances that it is taking timely and transparent steps to restore confidence in its competitions, following recent allegations of competition fixing.
The minister was responding to a parliamentary question from Deputy Catherine Connolly, who asked her for details of any engagement she has had with the CLRG on foot of recent allegations of competition fixing at Irish dancing events.
In a written response, Minister Martin said she wished to put on the record that neither she nor her department has any funding, regulatory or accreditation role in regard to the organisation.
However, she said she had written to seek assurances that it is taking timely and transparent steps to restore confidence that fairness is at the heart of all of its competitions and to reassure the many families around Ireland and further afield that have a love for Irish dancing.
She said the organisation has replied advising that it is undertaking an investigation and that the procedures are being overseen by an external independent individual to ensure transparency.
The organisation has further advised that this process, in accordance with its disciplinary procedure, is ongoing.
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