A Sinn Féin TD has said that alleged competition fixing in Irish dancing should be discussed at an Oireachtas Committee next week.
Imelda Munster wrote to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Culture, Arts, Tourism, Sports and Media after allegations of competition fixing at Irish dancing events emerged this week.
An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), Irish dancing's biggest governing body, said it had received allegations, with supporting documentation, of several grievous breaches of its code of conduct.
It is understood the breaches in question relate to allegations of competition fixing.
Ms Munster said: "This week allegations emerged that at least 12 dance teachers both in Ireland and in other countries had conspired to ensure that certain dancers scored high points in feiseanna at international tournaments.
"It was further alleged that certain inducements were involved.
"These are very serious allegations and are very alarming in nature.
"I am glad to see that there will be an investigation into this, however we need CLRG to provide more information around the terms of reference of that investigation as at the moment the detail is very scant.
"These allegations have the potential to damage Irish dancing’s reputation globally, and therefore we need a thorough investigation.
"I have written to the Joint Committee on Culture asking that this matter is discussed next week, as while the Committee and the Department don’t have a regulatory role in Irish dancing, we have a duty to protect Irish dancing’s reputation given that it is an important part of our culture."
The CLRG has said it has engaged a former judge to oversee an investigation into the matter.
In a statement, the CLRG said any member found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to due and full process under its disciplinary procedures.
Yesterday, Minister for the Arts Catherine Martin said she will write to CLRG to make sure every step possible is taken to restore confidence in competitive Irish dance.
