Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I just want to contrast the way Sport Ireland dealt with Cycling Ireland with how it dealt with the IABA and boxing in general. That is really what needs to happen. We need a change at the top of an organisation to get confidence from the people. The volunteers and sports people are the people we should be representing and supporting. They give thousands of hours of service. That is why we are here today. We have a positive report coming from Cycling Ireland. Changes are being made, there are more changes to be made and they will be made. Every organisation should be treated in the same way within sport in Ireland, should issues like this arise. There should not be an attempt to force through an opinion against the volunteers and members who are the heart of any sporting organisation. That needs to be taken on board. The same needs to happen at the IABA if boxing is to move forward in Ireland.

I compliment the witnesses for the way they have taken this on. I apologise for being late as I was coming in and out for votes. The issue was highlighted to us. They have taken it on to bring the sport forward. That is what needs to happen at any level in any sport. We are at a serious juncture in another sport. I ask Sport Ireland to treat them all the same in working with the membership. We have a strong tradition in sport in this country and it is important that we maintain it. We are delighted when we see people excelling in all sports. The the volunteers and workers on the ground are the ones who bring people to that level. They need to be supported.