1583. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when his Department awards funding to sport organisations that deal with children, the process that is used to ensure safeguarding in the organisation and safeguarding standards are of a high quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59740/26]

Everyone involved in sport, in any capacity, regardless of age, should be able to enjoy an experience that is free from any form of abuse. The creation of a culture that promotes the safety and welfare of all involved must be at the core of the operations of all National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport.

As set out in the Sport Ireland Act 2015, Sport Ireland is a development agency with a remit to develop and disseminate guidelines and codes of practice promoting best practice for the protection of children in sport consistent with child protection guidance and legislation.

Sport Ireland has an extensive suite of guidelines and Codes of Practice for the protection of children in sport, consistent with child protection guidance and legislation. There is regular communication between Sport Ireland and NGBs regarding NGBs' responsibilities in these areas.

Sport Ireland’s Guidance Document for Children and Young People in Sport has been developed to specifically support NGBs and clubs to ensure they can meet their child safeguarding and child protection responsibilities. The document has been prepared in the context of the challenges that NGBs and their clubs face on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that current best practice is followed while also complying with relevant legislation, the Children First Act and Children First Guidance. This is paramount to the successful protection of children and young people in sport.

Organisations in receipt of funding from Sport Ireland, including NGBs, must declare how their members are accessing safeguarding workshops. This information is collected via Sport Ireland’s Grant Management System.

As Minister, I fully support the implementation of effective safeguarding policies and procedures for children across the sports sector, while acknowledging that NGBs are independent, autonomous organisations responsible for their own governance including safeguarding procedures and disciplinary and complaints processes.