1618. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his Department’s position on the views of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60772/26]

Sport Ireland, which is funded by this Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding under its various programmes.

Sport Ireland operates a formal recognition process for organisations wishing to become eligible for support as NGBs. The recognition criteria set out the minimum requirements for NGB recognition and the additional criteria that may need to be met to receive financial investment from Sport Ireland.

I recognise the strong interest in chess in Ireland and I would encourage any organisation interested in engaging with Sport Ireland regarding possible recognition as a NGB for chess to engage directly with Sport Ireland in that regard. Sport Ireland could then advise as to the detail of the application process and, ultimately, consider the application on its merits. The relevant organisation can request a formal meeting with Sport Ireland to discuss its proposed application and the wider process, prior to submitting a formal application for recognition as a NGB to Sport Ireland. Sport Ireland can be contacted directly in this regard via e-mail at recognition@sportireland.ie or by telephone on 01-8608800.