Rowing Ireland says it will 'engage constructively' with independent review

Rowing Ireland appeared before a joint Oireachtas committee on Wednesday

Rowing Ireland has been accused of having a toxic culture in its high performance unit. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/ SPORTSFILE

Rowing Ireland says that it will "engage constructively" with an independent review proposed by Minister Patrick O'Donovan and Minister for state Charlie McConalogue. 

The proposal was made following an appearance by Rowing Ireland before a joint Oireachtas committee on Wednesday. Questions were put the the sporting organisation regarding what has been described as a toxic culture in rowing's high-performance unit. Claims by athletes regarding former high performance director Antonio Maurogiovanni's time in the role came to light following reports by the Sunday Independent. 

The review would cover the "process, procedures and timelines relating to the rowing issues".

"Rowing Ireland welcomes the statement from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the comments of Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD and Minister of State Charlie McConalogue TD," read a statement issued on Friday afternoon.

"We would like to thank the Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport for meeting with us and we look forward to its recommendations.

"Rowing Ireland acknowledges that there are lessons to be learned and remains committed to reflection, learning and continuous improvement, as part of its ongoing work to support athletes and strengthen governance across the organisation. 

"Rowing Ireland is currently reviewing all aspects of how this matter has been handled. We welcome the focus placed on athlete safeguarding and recognise that, while Rowing Ireland is responsible for its athletes’ safeguarding and welfare, these responsibilities are also shared across the sporting system.

"Rowing Ireland will engage constructively with the Department in relation to the proposed independent review and the development of its terms of reference. We note that changes have already been made and remain committed to implementing any further actions required to ensure processes, procedures and governance arrangements are strengthened in line with best practice.

"Our priority remains the wellbeing of athletes and maintaining confidence in the systems that support high performance sport in Ireland."