Mr. Gerard Perry:

We currently have approximately 1,500 so probably 1,450 are male. Like the other codes, it is about having the same standard of refereeing. If a person is refereeing at a particular level, whether it is grassroots level up to national league level, the person will have the same standard of refereeing to achieve in terms of knowledge of the laws of the game, application of the laws of the game, physical fitness and so on. We have had three female FIFA referees refereeing worldwide. Michelle O'Neill was the first assistant FIFA referee to officiate at the European Super Cup a couple of years ago with a French referee. Therefore, the avenues are open to female referees.

On the recruitment issue, the Chairman asked about abuse. Unfortunately, this is where there is absolute equality. Female referees are abused in exactly the same way as male referees, except for some of the stereotyping around gender, where the language is often something stereotypical that we would have heard in the past. It is neither more nor less. As to whether that is a blockage, I do not think so, and I think it has to do with the small numbers. It is about finding a way to attract people and using the good role models that we have to attract more females into trying out refereeing.