FIS Pre-Budget meetings continued today with an engagement with Minister Neale Richmond, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. With International Sports Diplomacy and the hosting of Major International Sporting Events high on the Department’s agenda, our delegation reinforced the need to increase core funding for our National Governing Bodies in sport. This is fundamental to ensure a sustained delivery of grass roots programmes and the growth of high performance sports.
Sport in Ireland delivers significant public, economic, and social value. We are advocating for three key Asks for Budget 2027:
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A 10% Annual Uplift in Funding for NGBs and LSPs.
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Introduction of a €5,000 Exemption PAYE Threshold for Certain Payments in Amateur Sport.
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Request for Government Commitment to Research and Publish a Report on an Additional 1% Betting Levy for Sport.
The 10% annual increase in core funding to support professional capacity, will tackle inactivity and address systemic inequalities. This investment will enable our members to grow participation, widen access, and strengthen high-performance pathways as we look towards a new Strategic Sports Plan for Ireland.
FIS Chair Enda Lynch CEO of Badminton Ireland met with Minister Richmond with FIS CEO Mary O’Connor and Tax Partner at Ogier John Perry at Iveagh House to discuss our key asks for the sector in Budget 2027.