Statement to members 20th October
An Coimisiún, the governing body of An Coimisiúin le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), held an open and productive
meeting of its 114 voluntary members last evening. Of that 114, approximately 80 were in attendance by
video link from all corners of the world.
Every member of An Coimisiún, representing thousands of teachers and adjudicators worldwide, is acutely
aware of the ongoing allegations in mainstream and social media. The devastating impact these have had
on the integrity of competitions and the standards of our art form - not to mention the negative impact on
the mental and emotional wellbeing of individual dancers – cannot be overstated.
The integrity of our competitions has been challenged and we owe it to all competitors, their families and
teachers to restore that integrity.
CLRG has a well-established disciplinary process which is predicated on evidence and is carried out in
confidence. A registered member who faces allegations of impropriety has a right to clear their name and to
offer a defence against these allegations. For these reasons and until the disciplinary process is complete,
CLRG is restricted from commenting on the names of those involved and the nature of any allegations.
An Coimisiún will ensure that the disciplinary process is robust so that those found to have engaged in
misconduct are subject to the full impact of that process. It is for this reason we have engaged former Court
of Appeal Judge Michael Peart to screen the investigation of official complaints.
As per our published policy, the membership will be advised of outcomes following the conclusion of individual cases.
Regarding disinformation circulating in mainstream and social media alleging that CLRG “sat” on a
complaint since July: Please see the timeline of events on the next page. Also outlined, for those who may
not be aware of it, is the structure of CLRG as set out in the constitution.
Whilst the initial complaint has moved on to the disciplinary phase, we are also in the process of examining
how we can better address the concerns of registered teachers and their dancers; and evolve into a more
robust and responsive organisation. This is a long-term project and will require reflection by all members
and interested parties on the best way forward.
CLRG will issue further statements as significant developments arise. In the meantime, we ask all our
members - and the wider public - to exercise caution when making statements on social or mainstream
media. To ensure a just outcome, we cannot afford to have our processes undermined by careless and
spurious comments, however well-intentioned they may be.
Please feel free to share this statement with parents in your class as needs be.
We thank you and all those interested in preserving the integrity of our dance for your patience and
understanding through this very difficult and challenging period.