Sep 18, 2019
We are asking the Government as part of Budget 2020 to deliver the second (of ten) phase of core funding this year, to remain online to double funding over the 10-year lifetime of the National Sports Policy 2018–2027, as per Action 45 of that policy. Sport plays an incomparable role in Ireland when it comes to social inclusivity, people and volunteers, health and wellbeing, financial return and community spirit.
The National Sports Policy, launched by Government in July 2018, has the potential to be transformative for every member, organisation and association involved in sports, and is built upon the pillars that we as a country hold dear.
Delivering upon the commitments outlined in the National Sports Policy will showcase that plans are achievable with funding, and programmes aimed at achieving greater participation and diversity and inclusion are achievable when people have adequate support.
It is vital that our members continue to build on the excellent work they have carried out to date. For this to happen, it is critical that the necessary funding is consistently provided on an annual basis, as 25% of LSP’s and 33% of NGB’s cite funding as the single biggest challenge they face in delivering on their objectives.
The Federation of Irish Sport is calling on the Government to redirect 4.2% of overall Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax exchequer returns specifically to combat obesity and increase participation in sport in Ireland, as part of Budget 2020.
The Sugar Sweetened Drinks (SSD) Tax, specifically introduced as a behavioural change measure, has seen the Exchequer benefit to the tune of almost €32m in its first 12 months of application. By allocating €1.35m (just 4.2%) of this revenue stream, Ireland would see a new programme developed and implemented to combat the obesity issue we are experiencing in this country, while increasing participation in sport, a key objective of the National Sports Policy.
The Federation of Irish Sport is calling on the Government to use revenues generated by the Betting Tax to develop and implement communication and educational programmes on the importance of sport and the protection of those at risk in our sporting community.
The increased betting tax, introduced as part of Budget 2019, is expected to double excise receipts to almost €52m per year. This is a substantial sum which could be used to develop educational programmes to prevent and reduce problem gambling. While participation and support for sporting activity is hugely beneficial in terms of physical, mental and emotional well-being, problem gambling on sporting events is also a huge issue for individuals, families and communities across Ireland.The Federation of Irish Sport is very alive to this issue. However, developing and delivering educational programmes for teenagers, adults and parents who engage with our sporting clubs, requires ongoing resourcing and investment. We are therefore seeking a portion of the Betting Tax revenue to enable our NGBs to develop and deliver dedicated programmes addressing to the threat of gambling.
The Federation of Irish Sport is calling on the Government to ensure that the Sports Capital Programme is open for new applications on an annual basis, and that a measure is put in place to ensure that 1% of every sports capital grant over €250,000 must be used to fund an associated participation project.
In order to continue the growth and development of Irish sport at local level, and for our clubs and athletes to excel on the international stage, it is imperative that the Sports Capital Grant programme is administered on an annual basis, and that it is open for new applications each year. In addition, the ‘Per Cent for Art Scheme’ introduced by the Department of Arts, Heritage and Culture has proven very effective and was recently reviewed to increase its bands and limits. Sport in Ireland, however, has no such scheme. Funding for the Sports Capital Grants was almost €40 million this year. This is incredibly important to building infrastructure and facilities in every community in Ireland and to benefit people in that locality in terms of health, social interaction and physical activity. By committing 1% of any grant over €250,000 into people and programmes means that these state-of-the-art facilities are utilised to engage current members and new audiences.
This will ensure that programmes are developed to increase participation, inclusivity, diversity of gender and ethnic origin.
In order to increase much needed donations to sports capital projects from individuals, the Federation of Irish Sport is calling on the Government to lower the eligibility threshold for capital reliefs on individual donations for sports capital projects to €200.
Currently (under the section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997) a donation is a relevant donation for the purposes of section 847A TCA where it satisfies many conditions, including;
• the donation is the payment of a sum or sums of money amounting to at least €250 in a year of assessment for a donation by an individual; and at least €250 in an accounting period for a donation by a company. Where an accounting period is less than 12 months the €250 is proportionally reduced, e.g. if the accounting period is six months the donation must be at least €125.
Donations can only be accepted for previously granted projects via the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. These projects often require a significant amount of additional funding to complete and equip. If the eligibility threshold for capital reliefs on individual donations to sports capital projects was reduced by 20% this would have a double monetary benefit to sports clubs and associations all over the country, while also increasing possibilities of individuals making more feasible donations of €200 over a 12-month period. Similarly, where the accounting period is less than 12 months, the €200 should be proportionally reduced, e.g. if the account period is three months the donation would only have to be at least €50.
The Federation of Irish Sport is calling on the Government to establish a scheme dedicated to philanthropic financial support for Ireland’s high-performance programme.
BlackGold, a public-private philanthropic initiative was established in New Zealand with a focus on high net-worth kiwis (and international individuals / organisations) who have a passion for sport and who want to invest in New Zealand’s sporting success.
BlackGold matches the passion and interests of potential donors with National Sports Organisation projects, over and above what the Government or Sport New Zealand can fund. It is recognised in the National Sport Policy that Ireland would ‘regard our real competitors as those countries with a population size similar to ours (i.e. less than 10m). New Zealand invested €152.1m in high performance sports funding during the Rio Olympic cycle (2013-2016), compared to Ireland’s investment of €37.6m during the same time period. By establishing a dedicated stream of philanthropic funding specific to High Performance Sport in Ireland, it would excel our facilities, coaches, athletes and associations, delivering increased Olympic and Paralympic success.
Sep 16, 2019
Record Numbers for Ladies Football Finals on TG4
TG4’s coverage of the TG4 Ladies Football Championships culminated yesterday with the live broadcast of the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Finals from Croke Park. A new record was set yesterday with 56,114 people in attendance; the largest-ever attendance to date at Croke Park for Ladies Football, up from 50,141 in 2018. It was also only narrowly beaten by the FIFA World Cup final as the largest audience at any women’s sports event this year which had an attendance of 57,900.
According to official TAM Ireland figures, the TV viewership also made a huge impact. In all, 666,000 tuned into TG4’s coverage of finals day yesterday, with an average audience of 252,500 people watching the live broadcast of the Senior Final between Dublin and Galway a rise of over 70,000 viewers from the 2018 Ladies Football Final. This is the second highest viewing figure for a Ladies’ final on TG4 since it first started to broadcast the games back in 2001.
The match took a 30% share of viewing among individuals, making TG4 comfortably the most popular channel in Ireland yesterday afternoon. Viewing peaked at 5.19pm with 358,400 viewers as Dublin closed in on the three in a row to retain the Brendan Martin Cup.
TG4 Director General Alan Esslemont says ‘TG4 is extremely proud of our partnership with the LGFA and Lidl. Women’s sport is a central pillar of TG4 audience strategy for many years and it is wonderful to see the profile now being given to these world-class sportswomen. We are proud partners in the 20 x 20 Women in Sport campaign and are extremely proud that TG4’s women’s sport alliance with Ladies Football will indeed be 20 in 20. We are already looking forward to marking the lead up our twentieth anniversary with a flourish, both on-screen and with events in the community in Ireland and abroad.’
Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Marie Hickey, said: “We are very fortunate that TG4 continue to be our Championship sponsors and broadcast our games, not just nationally, but to a worldwide audience. I extend a heartfelt thanks to Alan Esslemont and all of the team at TG4, as we reflect on another record-breaking Sunday. It’s now full steam ahead for the 2020 season, a year that will mark the 20th of our long-standing partnership. The #ProperFan hashtag was trending heavily throughout TG4 All-Ireland Final Sunday and the viewership figures are reflective of our sport’s growing popularity.”
ENDS
Media Contact
Deirdre Ní Choistín – Bainisteoir Cumarsáide TG4
Deirdre.ni.choistin@tg4.ie +861453527
Sep 16, 2019
EY Ireland continues its support for Hockey League
Monday 16 September 2019
EY Ireland announced it will continue its sponsorship of Hockey Ireland’s highest level of domestic competition – the EY Hockey League – for a further three years.
Speaking at the launch, Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner for EY Ireland, said: “We are proud to continue our support all of the amazing men and women of this sport, and we look forward to celebrating their continued success this year in both the EY Hockey League and the EY Hockey League Division 2. The all-island sport provides men and women the opportunity to build high performance teams, and develop and enhance their skills, as they compete at such a high level throughout the year. When it comes to leadership, dedication and developing winning strategies, there is a great deal to learn from such high calibre athletes.”
Covering all four provinces, the all-island EY Hockey League (EYHL) will see Ireland’s top ten male and top ten female clubs battle it out to become league champions over 18 weeks of exciting, fast-paced hockey.
The sponsorship will also support the EY Hockey League Division 2 (EYHL2), which currently boasts eight men’s teams and ten women’s teams, the winners of which will progress to the EYHL for the following season.
The EYHL and EYHL2 showcase some of Ireland’s top players, with a notable number of Ireland’s international female players returning from European Clubs this year, taking up player/coach roles within EYHL clubs.
Jerome Pels, CEO of Hockey Ireland, said “We are delighted to have the continued support of EY as the sponsor of the League. Their support is invaluable to us in assisting with the organisation and promotion of the EY Hockey League, its high quality of matches, and ensuring clubs across the island are able to compete at the highest levels.”
The first round of the Men’s EYHL gets underway this weekend on the 21st of September, while the Women’s EYHL returns to action in November after the Olympic qualifiers for Toyko 2020. Seen as an integral part of Hockey Ireland’s athlete development, the EYHL provides an opportunity to further develop high performance players for the challenge of international hockey.
The EYHL2 matches take to the pitch in mid-October with the eight men’s and ten women’s teams all vying for promotion to the EYHL for the following season.
The EYHL launch took place at the UCD National Hockey Stadium, home to both UCD’s men’s and women’s squad. The women’s team finished in a competitive third position in last year’s league, while the men succeed in gaining promotion from EYHL2.
Sep 10, 2019
The income tax return filing deadline is 31st October 2019.
Taxpayers can avail of an extension to the normal filing date of 31st October 2019 and instead file by 12th November 2019 if they file both their return of income and make the appropriate payment though ROS for:
- Income tax balance due for 2018, and
- Preliminary income tax due for 2019,
The responsibility is on the individual taxpayer to file the return, calculate the liabilities due and pay these liabilities on time.
Don’t leave it too late – gathering your documents can take time so act now to avoid missing the deadline and incurring penalties.
We advise you to seek guidance from OSK when preparing your return in order to ensure the correct liabilities are calculated.
What details do you need to send in to OSK to prepare your income tax return?
- Details of your income from all sources for the year ended 31st December 2018,
- Details of any dividends or deposit interest received in 2018,
- Rental income and expenditure details including mortgage interest certificate for the year ended 31st December 2018,
- Receipts in respect of any medical expenses incurred during the year 2018,
- Details of pension contributions paid,
- Details of any assets acquired or disposed of in 2018 (Capital Gains Tax),
- Details of any gifts or inheritance in 2018 (Capital Acquisition Tax).
How long do you need to keep books and records?
It’s important to note that you are obliged to keep records relating to the return for a period of 6 years after the period to which the information relates.
What reliefs are available against your income tax liability?
There are a number of deductions / reliefs you can claim against your income tax liability. These include, but are not limited to, the following –
- Tax relief at the standard rate (20% in 2018) for medical expenses paid is available.
- A tax credit of €490 is available in 2018 where a taxpayer or his / her spouse / civil partner is at least 65 years of age during the year of assessment.
- Tax relief at the standard rate (20% in 2018) is available in respect of certain third-level tuition fees paid to approved colleges.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
If you miss the October 31st tax return deadline you may be charged interest for each day you go over, along with a surcharge.
1. Where your 2018 return is submitted after the 31st October 2019 but before 31st December 2019 the surcharge will be calculated as the lesser of a 5% surcharge of the tax due or €12,695.
2. Where your 2018 return is submitted after the 31st December 2019 the surcharge will be calculated as the lesser of 10% of the tax due or €63,485.
The surcharge is calculated on the full tax payable for the year and does not take account of any payments on account.
The surcharge for a proprietary director is calculated before deduction of PAYE paid during the year.
What are the penalties of you don’t pay tax your liability?
Interest on overdue tax is calculated at a rate of 0.0219% (From 01.07.2009) per day or part of a day.
Any underpayment in income tax will result in interest penalties.
The amount of preliminary tax paid must be sufficient and must be paid on time in order to avoid any interest on overdue tax.
If the payment amount is correct, however, it is paid late there may still be an exposure to interest.
Contact Róisín McDaid in OSK Tax today to get your tax return filed before the income tax deadline.
Sep 10, 2019
Motorsport Ireland is inviting Tenders for the provision of a Motorsport Safety Tracking Management System. The tender deadline is 11th October 2019 at 3pm.
For more information, check out http://www.motorsportireland.com/UsefulInfo/request-for-tenders.aspx
Sep 9, 2019
Former GAA Director General confirmed as Chair of judging panel for upcoming Volunteer in Sport Awards
The awards celebrate the contributions of the 450,000 volunteers who give their time to Irish sport every year
- Judges include journalist and activist, Joanne O’ Riordan and former Irish rugby international, Trevor Ringland;
- The deadline for nominations is Friday, 29 September
Former GAA Director General, Mr Páraic Duffy has today been confirmed as one of 12 individuals appointed to the judging panel of the Volunteer in Sport Awards, taking place on Tuesday, 12 November.
The Volunteer in Sport Awards, hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport, in partnership with EBS, will see volunteers from all 32 counties recognised for their outstanding contributions to sport in their county. The Awards will also select a national ‘Team of Volunteers’ award and a ‘Lifetime’ award to honour a volunteer who has consistently given of their time for a sport, team or event over many years.
A judging panel in touch with local communities
Mr Duffy served as Director General of the GAA between 2008 and 2018. He also chaired a number of senior committees within the GAA, including the Coaching and Games Development Committee, and is a former selector for the Monaghan Senior County football team. He will be joined on the judging panel by:
- Joanne O’ Riordan, Irish Times sports journalist and activist;
- Maura Farrell, NUIG Lecturer;
- Trevor Ringland, Former Rugby International;
- Keith Kelly, Jumpers for Goalposts;
- Benny Cullen, Sport Ireland;
- Shane O’Connor, Olympic Athletes Commission;
- Nina Arwitz, CEO Volunteer Ireland;
- Jimmy Deenihan, Minister of State for Diaspora Affairs;
- Des Fitzgerald, CEO EBS;
- Michelle Dwyer, EBS;
- Mary Nolan Hickey, Volunteer Fundraiser for RNLI
Deadline for nominations fast approaching
Over 450,000 volunteers give their time to Irish sport each year. This equates to approximately 37.3 million hours of volunteering across Ireland’s 14,000 registered sports clubs and associations.
Members of the public are invited to nominate an individual whose contributions to sport has made a real difference to their community, club or county. Nominations can be made by individuals, clubs or sports associations via an online application form at www.volunteerinsport.ie. The deadline for applications is Friday, 27 September, 2019.
Previous Lifetime Award winners
The awards were originally founded in 2007 to recognise coaches, managers, officials and administrators who give their time to grow and develop amateur sports. This year sees them return for the first time since 2014.
Previous winners of the Lifetime Award include, Liam Sheedy, former player and current Tipperary All Ireland Champion Hurling Manager, Darren O’Neill, youth coach and Olympic Boxer and Peggy Mason who has been a Special Olympics Volunteer since 1985.
Comment
Speaking about the announcement, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said;
“We are delighted to confirm our judging panel for the 2019 Volunteer in Sport Awards. Our judges are drawn from a diverse breadth of backgrounds including sports administration, the not-for-profit sector, and former elite athletes, amongst others. Their different backgrounds and expertise are a perfect reflection of the very diverse make-up of our sporting community and the many roles it fulfils in Irish society. All have witnessed the critical role played by volunteers in enabling Irish grassroots sport to take place each week and can speak to the many benefits they bring to communities up and down the country.
“The deadline for nominations is fast approaching so we would call on individuals, clubs and sports associations to submit their nominations via the Volunteerinsport.ie website by Friday, 27 September.”
Also commenting, Páraic Duffy, former GAA Director General said:
“I am pleased to be involved in this special event that is the 2019 Volunteer in Sport Awards. I have been involved in volunteer sports organisations all my life and have seen first-hand how indispensable these volunteers are to their communities. The Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate their contributions and highlight the integral role they play in sport and wider society.”
ENDS
For more information:
Paddy O’Dea – paddy@pr360.ie – 086 357 3365
Barry Murphy – barry@pr360.ie – 087 266 9878
