Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and people in the Public Gallery to switch off their mobile telephones as they interfere with the recording equipment. Before commencing the main business of today's proceedings, I will turn to some housekeeping matters. I welcome the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross. I apologise to him and all our guests for the delay in the meeting starting. We had to deal with internal issues. I also welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Griffin, Mr. Ken Spratt, assistant secretary, and Mr. Peter Hogan of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Mr. John Treacy, chief executive officer, Mr. Kieran Mulvey, chairperson, and Mr. Colm McGinty of Sport Ireland.

In accordance with procedures, I am required to point out that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The committee invited, and expected, representatives of the Football Association of Ireland, FAI, to attend this meeting, particularly when they said last Sunday week that they were prepared to do so. They are not coming and I have a letter which I will read into the public record. It is addressed to the clerk of the committee and is from Rea Walshe, company secretary. It states:

Further to my email of Friday I confirm that we had an open and honest meeting at Leinster House yesterday with Ministers Ross and Griffin.

As stressed after that meeting the immediate focus of the Board must be on the financial restructuring necessary to safeguard jobs, the FAI's financial future and the appointment of an Independent Chairperson and three Independent Directors.

At this moment in time, this requires the undivided attention of the Board of the Association and key management, it is for this reason that the Association is regretfully not in a position to appear before the Joint Committee, tomorrow Wednesday, December 18th.

As soon as the measures outlined above are complete, the Board will welcome the opportunity to appear before the Committee at a time that suits your members. The Board of the FAI thanks the Committee for its patience and understanding at this critical juncture for Irish football.

The committee is happy to issue the invitation again to the FAI and to meet its representatives at any time and, if needs be, as early as possible in the new year.