Sep 18, 2023
On Sunday 17th September, Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor spoke to presenters Darragh Maloney and Marie Crowe on RTÉs Sunday Sport programme about the importance of investment in sport & physical activity.
Highlighting the return on investment that the economy sees from sport she said; “We estimate that for every €100 that the government invests in sport & physical activity in Ireland, there’s a return of €195.” The total value of sport to the Irish economy in 2018 was valued at €3.7bn (GVA)*
*Researching the value of sport in Ireland – Sport Ireland and Sheffield Hallam University, September 2021
Sep 14, 2023
Federation points to impact of inflation on government funding for sport and for delivery of National Sports Policy
• Submission highlight’s sport’s contribution to economy – 64,000 jobs and a €3.7 billion GVA contribution to economy
• Submission highlights detailed Tax Reform Report already gone to government showing how Action 3.7 of Sports Action Plan can benefit all sports
• FIS calls on Government to raise Betting tax and earmark extra revenue for sport to help tackle betting addiction
• Need to Accelerate reform of insurance costs in relation to sport
On Wednesday, 13th September, the Federation of Irish Sport delivered its Pre-Budget Submission to the government. Their submission identifies four “Key Asks” which it is asking to be taken into consideration in the development of Budget 2024. As was the case last year the Federation also suggests how some relatively simple changes in taxation policy could make a major difference for sport and physical activity.
At the core of the submission is an appeal to government to continue to demonstrate its commitment to the National Sports Policy by increasing core funding for member NGBs and LSPs in line with its stated ambition to double the level of overall sports funding over the life of the National Sports Policy.
The submission highlights that “a combination of inflation and the need to invest ever more funds in such vital areas such as governance, child protection, GDPR etc., has had an impact on the funding available for their essential work of the NGBs and LSPs in bringing more people into sport. Their investment into people and programmes must be protected if we are to continue to enjoy the successes of recent years both in participation levels and high performance”.
In tandem with this they again ask government to move to a multi-annual system of core funding for sport and physical activity by confirming the annual increase in funding in line with the National Sports Policy – thereby giving the NGBs and LSPs the opportunity to plan ahead. It notes that this is particularly important if Ireland is to retain its best people across the sporting spectrum.
Overall, the FIS Pre-Budget Submission highlights the urgent need for on-going support of the sector that today supports 64,000 jobs is worth over €3.7bn (GVA) to the Irish Economy.
The Federations second main “ASK” of government concerns making a number of changes in current taxation policy. Action 3.7 of the Sports Policy action plan 2021-2023 contains a number of tax expenditure reforms which at their core seek to help make sporting organisations become more self-sustainable and less reliant on government.
The Federation of Irish Sport was given responsibility to drive this action and they enlisted the support of A&L Goodbody to produce a detailed report on the subject. This Report, which is highlighted in the Federation’s Submission has been with government since August 2022.
Among the recommendations of the Report are –
• Extending relief on donations to approved sporting bodies.
• VAT relief for sporting bodies.
• Granting of charitable status to those NGBs and LSPs who wish to pursue that option.
• Tax-driven incentives for personal exercise.
The Report contains detailed proposals on all areas of taxation that might be relatively easily changed to benefit sport and ultimately the health of the nation. In its third “ASK” the Federation suggests that the government increase the Betting Tax from 2% to 3% with the additional monies raised be devoted to sport and also to how sport might be targeted at tackling the problems of gambling addiction.
The Federation’s final ask of Government, is that they look closely at insurance reform. Insurance Reforms are needed that will quickly reduce liability premiums to affordable levels. These reforms have been identified but they are not happening fast enough and are consequently negatively impacting the sports sector and its ability to providing sporting facilities and host sporting events.
Speaking on the launch of the Pre-Budget Submission Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor said; “It is vital that the NGBs and the LSPs have continuing access to the funding necessary to facilitate the achievement of the aims of the National Sports Policy as well as their own strategic objectives, we have said on many occasions it is equally important that the government commits to such funding on a multi-annual basis if we are to realise the potential of all funding and make impactful and sustainable interventions.
“What we are proposing here today are achievable means by which the Government can immediately boost the sports sector at no extra cost to the exchequer.”
Click here to read the submission in full.
Aug 16, 2023
Recently, our Proud Partners Clan Credo hosted a webinar on developing local sports facilities and providing useful tips for clubs and groups applying to the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme. Contributors included a case study from Neil Corcoran Club Trustee and Vice Chairperson of Kilglass/Enniscrone United FC giving his fascinating input. Clann Credo’s own Tracey Hannon gave a detailed look at the different types of loans Clann Credo offers and an insight into the way they work with clubs and groups to achieve their sporting goals – particularly in relation to Sports Capital and Equipment Programme applications.
You can watch the full recorded event HERE.
The presentations from the event are here:
- Clann Credo presentation HERE
- Kilglass/Enniscrone United FC Case Study HERE
- Transcript of Q&A session HERE
If your club is applying for a Sports Capital & Equipment Programme grant and you need loan finance, get in touch with Clann Credo as soon as possible. Email info@clanncredo.ie or phone 01 400 2100.
KEY DATES:
The 2023 round of the Programme is open for applications from 9am on Monday 17th July 2023 until 5pm on Friday 8th September 2023.
Is your club registered? The deadline for registration is 5pm on Friday 25th August 2023. https://www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/
Aug 3, 2023
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, today announced a €2.5 million investment under Phase II of the Sports Energy Support Scheme. This funding will provide support to over 1,900 clubs, community-led sports facilities, National Facilities and Major Stadiums in Ireland, to meet the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport.
Building on the support previously provided by the Government last winter, this funding stream aims to help alleviate financial pressure as a result of increased energy costs on sports organisations, and ensure the sustainability of Irish sports clubs.
Under the Phase I of the Scheme, which covered energy costs for the period up to 31 March, €21 million was distributed through Sport Ireland Recognised Natio
nal Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to support over 2,000 affiliated clubs and facilities, €1.8 million of which was provided to the National Sports Campus.
Phase II of the Scheme extended the eligibility period to cover energy costs for April and May and sports clubs and organisations that did not apply under Phase I, were able to make an application for funding. In addition, community-owned sports facilities not affiliated specifically to an NGB or who did not qualify for other government support schemes, were able to receive support through their Local Sports Partnership (LSP). This ensured that grassroots and community sport received maximum support.
This latest investment highlights the Government’s strong commitment to supporting Irish sports clubs and facilities throughout the country.
Minister Martin, said:
“The benefits of sport and physical activity to health and wellbeing are well known and there are many cross-cutting benefits from investing in sport. Many sports clubs and organisations continue to experience financial pressures due to increased energy costs, and the extension of the Sports Energy Support Scheme will further support the sector. The scheme has now distributed over €23.5 million to clubs and facilities across the entire sporting community and throughout the country.”
In addition, Minister Byrne, said:
“Funding to sport has grown very significantly in the lifetime of this Government and this further investment of €2.5 million demonstrates our on-going commitment to assist sports clubs and organisations through the current difficult environment of increased operating costs. I want to thank the Sport Ireland team for all their hard work in administering the scheme and for their on-going support of the grassroots network of clubs and local sports partnerships, making sure sport remains accessible to all.“
Speaking on behalf of Sport Ireland, Dr. Una May, said:
“We would like to thank Ministers Martin and Byrne for their ongoing support. The re-opening of the Sports Energy Support Scheme demonstrates the Government’s dedication to alleviating the impact of increased energy costs on sports clubs and organisations, allowing them to continue providing access to sport and physical activity throughout 2023.”
Breakdown of Allocations:
|
NGB Facility Allocation |
Club Allocation |
Total |
|
|
|
|
| Gaelic Athletic Association |
343,500 |
910,000 |
1,253,500 |
| Irish Rugby Football Union |
– |
159,100 |
159,100 |
| Irish Sailing |
– |
90,400 |
90,400 |
| Football Association of Ireland |
81,000 |
– |
81,000 |
| Athletics Ireland |
– |
59,000 |
59,000 |
| Rowing Ireland |
23,000 |
26,500 |
49,500 |
| Gymnastics Ireland |
– |
41,700 |
41,700 |
| Snooker & Billiards Ireland |
30,000 |
6,000 |
36,000 |
| Camogie Association |
– |
26,000 |
26,000 |
| GAA Handball |
– |
25,000 |
25,000 |
| Irish Squash |
– |
23,000 |
23,000 |
| Canoeing Ireland |
5,150 |
16,800 |
21,950 |
| Swim Ireland |
20,000 |
– |
20,000 |
| Pitch & Putt |
– |
19,500 |
19,500 |
| Basketball Ireland |
4,900 |
6,250 |
11,150 |
| Weightlifting Ireland |
– |
9,000 |
9,000 |
| Diving Ireland |
2,200 |
5,100 |
7,300 |
| Cricket Ireland |
700 |
6,100 |
6,800 |
| Irish Athletic Boxing Association |
6,350 |
– |
6,350 |
| Badminton Ireland |
– |
5,350 |
5,350 |
| Bowling League of Ireland |
– |
1,950 |
1,950 |
| Racquetball Association of Ireland |
– |
700 |
700 |
| Total : National Governing Bodies |
516,800 |
1,437,450 |
1,954,250 |
|
|
|
|
| Cork Local Sports Partnership |
– |
100,000 |
100,000 |
| Carlow Local Sports Partnership |
– |
90,000 |
90,000 |
| Galway Local Sports Partnership |
– |
50,000 |
50,000 |
| Meath Local Sports Partnership |
– |
47,000 |
47,000 |
| Sligo Local Sports Partnership |
– |
40,000 |
40,000 |
| Clare Local Sports Partnership |
– |
35,000 |
35,000 |
| Limerick Local Sports Partnership |
– |
35,000 |
35,000 |
| Donegal Local Sports Partnership |
– |
30,000 |
30,000 |
| Mayo Local Sports Partnership |
– |
29,000 |
29,000 |
| Monaghan Local Sports Partnership |
– |
22,000 |
22,000 |
| Tipperary Local Sports Partnership |
– |
22,000 |
22,000 |
| Laois Local Sports Partnership |
– |
20,000 |
20,000 |
| Kerry Local Sports Partnership |
– |
18,000 |
18,000 |
| Louth Local Sports Partnership |
– |
15,000 |
15,000 |
| Offaly Local Sports Partnership |
– |
10,000 |
10,000 |
| Westmeath Local Sports Partnership |
– |
3,000 |
3,000 |
| Total : Local Sports Partnerships |
– |
566,000 |
566,000 |
|
|
|
|
| Grand Total |
516,800 |
2,003,450 |
2,520,250 |
Jul 31, 2023
The Alliance for Insurance Reform welcomes the commencement of legislation aimed at rebalancing the duty of care between occupiers and the public. Speaking today, Alliance Board member and CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary O’Connor said: “The legislation rebalances the duty of care in a way that is fair, practical and proportionate. The new legislation will only work if it is implemented in the spirit it was intended by the judiciary, insurers, the legal profession, and ultimately, by the Irish public.” Tomorrow the Alliance is launching its ‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH’ campaign, calling for an end to unjustifiable personal injury claims that are damaging Irish society. The Alliance recognises the importance of a robust personal injury system to compensate those who have been injured due to the negligence of others in a way that is fair and proportionate. That is why liability insurance is there.
- Alliance for Insurance Reform launches its Enough is Enough campaign to mark the commencement of legislation rebalancing the duty of care between occupiers and the public.
- “The new legislation will only work if it is implemented in the spirit it was intended by the judiciary, insurers, the legal profession, and ultimately, by the Irish public.”
- Unjustifiable personal injury claims are made where there is no negligence. It is often assumed that these claims are victimless, with insurance companies picking up the bill. The reality is that insurers simply pass the cost on to policyholders – voluntary and community groups, charities, sports and cultural organisations, small businesses and the State.
Too often however, unjustifiable personal injury claims are made where there is no negligence. It is often assumed that these claims are victimless, with insurance companies picking up the bill. The reality is that insurers simply pass the cost on to policyholders – voluntary and community groups, charities, sports and cultural organisations, small businesses and the State – who also spend enormous amounts of time and effort defending such claims.
Alliance Board member and owner of Kidspace play centres in Rathfarnham and Rathcoole, Tracy Sheridan, said: “Every person at one time or another has heard a story of somebody getting compensation and our reaction had been that what happened was entirely their own fault. These awards come at a cost in the form of higher insurance premiums. As a society we need to say ‘stop’, as unwarranted claims are not a victimless pursuit.”
That is one of the main reasons Ireland pays many multiples of other countries in insurance costs and it undermines the fabric of Irish society. This is not sustainable and the road we need to travel is clear:
- Unjustifiable personal injury claims must stop.
- Lawyers must stop facilitating them.
- Doctors and other experts must stop facilitating them.
- Insurers must stop settling them. Settling dubious claims in a stable insurance market may be justifiable, but not in a reforming market like Ireland, where continuing to settle will undermine the reforms.
- The Judiciary must interpret the new legislation in the spirit in which it was intended by the Legislature.
Justice Minister, Helen McEntee said “These measures strike a new and reasonable balance between the responsibilities of the owner or operator of a premises to keep their customers and visitors safe, and what individuals themselves must do when entering a business, club or community building for example. The passage of this legislation marks an important step in our efforts to make insurance more available and cheaper.”[1]
From the perspective of voluntary and community groups, charities, sports and cultural organisations as well as small businesses, the message is clear: Enough is Enough!
The Alliance for Insurance Reform brings together 48 civic and business organisations from across Ireland, representing over 55,000 members, 700,000 employees, 614,000 volunteers and 374,000 students in highlighting the negative impact of persistently high premiums and calling for real reforms that will quickly reduce liability and motor insurance premiums to affordable levels and keep them that way.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: contact@insurancereform.ie or Alliance CEO, Brian Hanley at 086 8620 974.
[1] https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/6b16c-minister-mcentee-welcomes-the-passage-of-bill-giving-effect-to-major-insurance-reforms/#:~:text=Minister%20McEntee%20said%3A,or%20community%20building%20for%20example.
Jul 27, 2023
Clann Credo to host Sports Capital Webinar
Calling all governing bodies and Sports Partnerships! If you know local clubs or community groups that are preparing an application for the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme, Clann Credo – Community Loan Finance can help!
We will host an online information event about how we can help groups who are applying for the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme. The event is on Thursday 10th August at 8pm, it’s free, and anyone who is interested can register here.
Who are we? Clann Credo is a not-for-profit finance provider. We give loans to projects that improve the quality of life in local communities – and we know that sports do that. We help projects to find ways to generate income to repay our loans. We won’t provide a loan if it’s not right for the project and we never look for personal guarantees.
Clann Credo has worked with hundreds of sports groups nationwide to make successful applications, and to move efficiently to the implementation of their development plans. We stay the course with clubs from their initial vision through to application and onto implementation. Clann Credo can also connect clubs at the beginning of their project with clubs that have completed their project and can offer advice.
Our expert Social Finance Executives are located around the country and have in depth knowledge that will make the application process easier. You can find our local representative here www.clanncredo.ie/contactus – please encourage clubs and groups to contact their local Social Finance Executive.
If a project qualifies, Clann Credo can provide a letter of loan offer to include in their application to the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. This will improve their chances of securing funding by boosting their ‘Own Funds’ contribution. Applications with a higher level of ‘Own Funds’ are more successful.
The application process takes time, so please encourage local clubs and groups to contact us as soon as possible.
For more information check out our website www.clanncredo.ie or contact us – info@clanncredo.ie / 01 400 2100.
