Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise as I had to leave to go to a meeting. The witnesses are very welcome. We are very proud. I do not want to repeat what everybody else has said. I understand the witnesses spoke of an all-island hockey team. A little over two years ago, we were very anxious to have an all-island hockey team — it was a men's team — competing in the Commonwealth Games. We went a long way towards it. We would have to agree to embrace Ireland–Britain relationships. It would be opportune to have an all-island hockey team. I wish those present every success in the Olympic Games. An all-island team is an option. There is no better sport than hockey with which to achieve this. We should strive to have a hockey team in the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Had I mentioned this 15 years ago, people would have got angry. In the past two years, we have come of age. I would like to hear the opinions of the sportswomen present and the administrators of the sport. I do not want to get into politics as the Commonwealth Games should be above politics. I am sorry for the curveball.