The information supplied below will be continuously updated with new information. Please note: The Irish Dance Globe supports the CLRG in their investigation.
The competitive Irish dancing world has been rocked in recent days by allegations of cheating and results fixing from teachers and judges within An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha.
A statement sent to teachers last week by the CLRG was obtained by The Irish Dance Globe, which stated that An Coiste Faire (CLRG Ethics Committee) has received “allegations with supporting documentation, of several grievous breaches” of its code of conduct.
It continued: “The evidence apparently dates back several years and identifies individuals allegedly offering various inducements to promote dancers to a higher than deserved placing at particular competitions.
“It is believed that there are a number of teachers and schools implicated in the allegations.”
The statement added: “Due to the possible far reaching extent of such allegations, and to ensure fairness, transparency and thoroughness, the services of an independent former judge of the Court of Appeal has been engaged to oversee and supervise the immediate investigation into these matters.
“They will have the full and open access to the resources and records of CLRG. The process will no doubt be difficult and arduous, but this grossly unethical behaviour must be eliminated from our dance genre”.
Leaked documents on the Voy forum board appear to implicate at least 12 teachers and judges in apparent allegations of cheating and results fixing.
According to additional screenshots seen by Irish Independent – which have not yet been shared with CLRG – at least another six dance teachers may be implicated.
CLRG directed The Irish Dance Globe to the below statement when requesting additional comment, which was published on their website on Tuesday (October 4).
In July 2022, an Coiste Faire (CLRG Ethics Committee) received allegations, with supporting documentation, of several grievous breaches of our Code of Conduct.
Such unethical behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated by this organisation.
Due to the potential extent of such allegations – and to ensure fairness, transparency and thoroughness – the services of an independent former judge of the Court of Appeal have been engaged to oversee and supervise the immediate investigation into these matters. They will have full and open access to the resources and records of CLRG.
The process will no doubt be difficult and arduous, but this grossly unethical behaviour must be eliminated from our competitions, dance schools and governing organisations.
An Coimisiún regards such breaches to be Gross Misconduct. Any registered member found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to due and full process under our published Disciplinary Procedures as can be found here.
This process has already started and the principles of natural justice apply. To ensure the integrity of the process and until it is complete, no further comments will be made.
CLRG’s extensive disciplinary procedures document outlines the actions that may be taken towards any accusations of misconduct within the organisation. The document includes a list of actions of gross misconduct that may be investigated, which includes a “serious breach of code of conduct”.
The Irish Independent reported that CLRG had declined to clarify if judges accused of cheating will oversee upcoming competitions.
The newspaper also directed a number of queries to CLRG, which responded that it was “regrettable the matter has been aired in public now, lest it compromises CLRG’s own investigations into the matter.
“We are aware of allegations against a number of members circulating on social media. Allegations without evidence are simply that – allegations.
“All complaints to Coiste Faire are treated on a confidential basis, pending investigation and possible disciplinary action.
“It is unfortunate that somebody has chosen to break that confidentiality, which may deter complaints in relation to these or future allegations of wrongdoing.”
The Irish Independent also attempted to contact the 18 dance teachers who appear to be identified in the screenshots. One dance teacher responded and claimed that the newspaper was “definitely mistaken”.
The Irish Independent sent back screenshots of a conversation showing the same teacher discussing “feis-fixing” for students, and the teacher reportedly stopped responding.
CLRG has defined gross misconduct as “misconduct serious enough to undermine any future working relationship between An Coimisiún and the individual due to a breakdown of trust.”
It continues: “Acts that constitute gross misconduct are those resulting in a serious breach of the Code of Conduct, the Child Protection Policy or the Social Media Policy and it will be for the disciplinary committee to make such a determination. Gross misconduct may therefore lead to summary expulsion without any prior warnings. Every allegation of gross misconduct requires to be investigated. The individual has the same rights to be heard as with any other disciplinary measures”.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar since said that allegations should be “fully investigated” to not risk “reputational harm” to Ireland.
“It is very concerning, very worrying that anything like that would happen. And I do believe it needs to be properly investigated,” he said (via Irish Independent).
“It needs to be fully and thoroughly investigated so we can find out what the facts are and if people have been engaged in any wrongdoing, [they should be] held to account.”
The Tánaiste also said he would have to discuss with ministers if the Government has a “role” to intervene in the scandal.
“Potentially it could cause reputational harm but the solution is not to cover it up, it’s to deal with it and investigate it properly and hold people to account,” he added.
CLRG is now facing huge backlash online from dancers and parents who are demanding change within the organisation and strict adjustments to operations. The situation has also gained national media attention in Ireland and the UK, with coverage in the BBC and Irish Central, while making front page splashes in the Irish Independent and The Irish News.
CLRG has appealed for information and evidence to be sent to faire@clrg.ie.
Do you have evidence to share with The Irish Dance Globe anonymously? Email hello.idglobe@gmail.com.
