Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, Deputy Ross, and the Minister of State, Deputy Griffin, as well as their officials for attending today. The Minister, in response to a question, indicated that if the FAI goes, the League of Ireland goes too. That has sent a shock across the State and people have been in touch with me since the Minister made that statement. Will he commit that whatever happens, the League of Ireland will be protected?

I have a number of specific questions on Limerick FC. I mentioned them briefly to the Minister of State, Deputy Griffin, earlier. Is the Minister aware that the Limerick FC club is being wound up? Was he aware of the difficulties facing Limerick FC prior to last week's announcement? Had he any discussions on the problems at Limerick FC? As sports Minister, does he have any intention of stepping in to try to save the club, which has existed since 1937? As things stand, next season's Airtricity League first division will have nine clubs if Limerick FC is not there. The clubs left will face weeks with no games to play because Limerick FC will not be there. It is an historical team and people are employed there. I want to ensure the current position of Limerick FC is not lost in the absolute shambles of the FAI we are discussing today. The club has existed for 80 years.

It is a core part of Limerick's sporting tradition and it is vital that it gets the support it needs.