An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha has confirmed it “will not be pursuing further disciplinary action” against individuals accused of wrongdoing at Irish dancing competitions.
The Irish Dancing Commission (CLRG) said the decision was taken by Coiste Faire, which is the organisation’s ethics committee.
The coimisiún is one of the major bodies responsible for competitive Irish dance.
The disciplinary hearings followed allegations made in October 2022 of breaches of the CLRG’s code of conduct, related to alleged competition fixing.
The allegations were accompanied by supporting documentation.
Mr Justice Michael Peart was appointed to oversee an independent investigation into the complaints, grievances and accompanying evidence.
His report recommended 44 cases go forward to a full disciplinary hearing by an independent panel.
In an update in February, the CLRG said the first ten external disciplinary hearings concerning the allegations of wrongdoing were due to be heard and concluded by the middle of March.
At the time, the coimisiún said it was “committed to having the remaining cases heard and concluded by the summer.”
“Books of evidence are being prepared and disciplinary hearings are being scheduled for the remaining cases with the goal of concluding all cases by the summer,” a statement added.
However, a CLRG spokesperson has tonight confirmed “it will not be pursuing further disciplinary action against those individuals” stemming from the complaints received in 2022.
The spokesperson said the individuals are “now being contacted concerning this decision.”
“Ensuring fair competition and effective adjudication at CLRG competitions has always been a key priority.”
“Enhanced competition and adjudication procedures were introduced in advance of the 2023 All Ireland Championships, that continue to be strictly adhered to and enforced at all CLRG competitions,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that “the procedure for selecting adjudicators for competitions has also been strengthened, with all registered 2,300 CLRG teachers and members now having a vote in the process.”
The organisation said it is “undergoing a modernisation and transformation process, guided by the recommendations of an independent strategic review”, that took place last year.
The CLRG said a new managing director has been appointed, with further changes expected in the near future, including “the development of a new, robust disciplinary code of practice.”
