MORE than 40 Irish dance judges and teachers are now suspended following an investigation into competition-fixing.
The governing body of the world’s largest Irish dance organisation revealed details of the investigation ahead of an extraordinary general meeting to be held today in Belfast.
A probe into claims competitions were fixed ahead of time was launched after screen grabs from phone messages were sent to An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG).
In a statement, the CLRG said “the independent investigation team examining allegations of wrongdoing within CLRG has recommended 44 cases under consideration proceed to full disciplinary hearing”.
The organisation added: "This follows a thorough examination of all complaints, grievances and all accompanying evidence submitted by Members, by the investigation team led by Mr. Justice Michael Peart, a retired judge of the Court of Appeal.
“All the individuals involved have been informed and suspended from CLRG competition adjudicating responsibilities while the disciplinary process is ongoing.”
While the investigation was started over the summer following allegations made by a United States-based teacher linking a reported 18 individuals to competition-fixing, the organisation has received other complaints since.
“We wish to reiterate that CLRG regards all allegations of wrongdoing with the utmost seriousness,” the organisation said in its statement.
“We look forward to the External Disciplinary Panel commencing its work and dealing with these issues as soon as possible.
“We would also like to reassure Members that we are fully dedicated to introducing positive changes as agreed and approved by
members’ representatives at An Coimisiún. This is something we are committed to and focused on moving forward.”
Discussion at the EGM in Belfast will centre on the allegations.
It its statement, the CLRG said “in order to best facilitate an open, frank and honest discussion of the challenges facing CLRG, the meeting will take place in person.”
Some members wanted a hybrid meeting to allow the many non-Irish based affiliates to join. CLRG has approximately 2,000 members, the majority teachers, many of whom also operate as judges at competition.
Meanwhile the BBC has ended the production of a documentary on Irish dancing in the wake of the allegations.
The five-part series called Point Perfect was pulled by the broadcaster during early production, it said.
A BBC spokesperson said: "During early production for the BBC Arts/ NI co-production 'Point Perfect', serious allegations about aspects of competitive Irish dancing were reported in the press.
"Given this wider context the BBC is unable to proceed with the series as planned."
