Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe's question about meetings with the OCI, I have been in the job for eight weeks, during which time I have tried to meet as many heads of governing bodies as I can. I met Ms Sarah Keane on the same day as I attended the launch of the Para Swimming European Championships Dublin 2018 in the National Aquatic Centre.

More importantly, I have also met the members of the re-established athletes commission. A very important outcome of this entire saga is that the commission is now receiving far more attention than previously. As Minister of State, I have given a commitment to engage regularly with the commission because it is a huge resource, not just for the OCI but also for the Government from a policy point of view because the members of the commission which is chaired by Mr. David Gillick have hundreds of years of experience as athletes who have performed or are performing at elite level. It is a very positive development which can hugely benefit the OCI and the Government in future policy making. Athletes on the front line are the main beneficiaries of the commission in being encouraged and facilitated to do its work. I want a good working relationship with it to continue into the future. I want to prioritise it in my role to ensure the commission will have the ears of the Government.

The commission is also valued by the OCI.