The Government has published a review of the governance of the Irish Sports Council undertaken at the request of Ministers by Paul Turpin of the Institute for Public Administration.
The review was intended to assure the public that any potential conflicts or perceived conflicts of interest would be managed and handled in a way that was transparent and independent.
The report has found that adherence to codes of best practice are in line with what would be expected of a public body with a high profile and an important mandate. It has made a number of recommendations in terms of the induction of board members and the way in which potential conflicts of interest are brought to their attention.
Improvements are suggested in protocols for how individual members of the board who have an alternative view to the collective group should be able to express their views to the Ministers where matters are deemed to be of public concern.
This is in line with practices in other similar bodies and as relate to civil service appointments to boards.
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has accepted the recommendations, as has the Chairman of the Irish Sports Council, Kieran Mulvey.
With increased funding likely to flow to sport in coming years from the EU Erasmus Fund as well as the spotlight on reporting and management of expenditure of public funds as has been the case this week with Irish Water, the importance of good governance will be of critical importance to all sports organisations.
It is encouraging that the lead body for sport has come through this report with commendation and that it has accepted where improvements can be made in terms of future dealings with board members.
Download the full report here.
Lesson for Sport: There is no excuse for poor oversight of areas where public money is sought and spent.
Lesson for Business: Sport has come a long way from the days of amateur play and amateur management. It is now at a high level of business practice and therefore easier and more comfortable to deal with as a commercial partner.
