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.