Mr. Ciaran Kirwan:

Deputy Ellis asked a number of questions, and I ask him to forgive me if we do not answer all of them. I will try to take his last question first. They were standard terms and conditions for all of our employees. The clause the Deputy mentioned regarding the media, which has been highlighted, is a clause in all of our employees' contracts. It is one that is rarely invoked, as can be seen from the fact that it was never invoked in the case of Billy Walsh, who was the most high-profile member of our association. Very often he was the only face anybody could recognise from the IABA. We had no difficulty with that whatsoever. That clause is in place to deal with cases in which an employee spoke against the IABA or some of our policies. It was not an attempt to stop him from talking to the media about teams, coaching or tournaments. I am sure the Deputy will agree with me that he has been a very high profile member.

On the question of the damage that has been done, we would have to concede that some reputational damage has been done to the association but we are determined to work with the Irish Sports Council in the future. We regard it as having a symbiotic relationship with us. Naturally, we feared that our funding was under threat when the statements to which the Deputy referred were made. He was probably present in this House when they were made. We were greatly relieved when the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, indicated that the funding was not under threat.

Deputy Dooley mentioned legislation, and in the relevant legislation the Minister has the power to make a direction to the Irish Sports Council, of which we were cognisant. Those issues can be addressed. We are confident that we can work with the Irish Sports Council in the future, and we want to do so.

In respect of a review, it is a matter of opinion whether it would be beneficial at this stage. There will be various opinions on that, but if a review is instigated we are perfectly happy with that and will co-operate fully.