Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of questions but I will confine myself to addressing a couple to Dr. Liston and Professor Maguire. I, too, believe in the power of sport. In the past two days, I travelled through counties Fermanagh and Tyrone, where I noticed lots of flags displayed. It is the time of the year for it, with the county finals, etc. The witnesses mentioned flags, anthems and all-Ireland sporting bodies. With tongue firmly in cheek, I refer to "Ireland's Call" and ask whether we should be adopting something like that for other sports. Will they comment on how we should treat communities and their flags and anthems? Should we be adopting something that would cover everything in sport? Sport has an important role to play throughout Ireland. Another issue is the question of having an all-Ireland soccer league. I would like to see that happening, given developments on this island.

To summarise, sport is very important in Ireland. The issue always arises, however, as to flags and anthems. Where should we start in addressing that? I would appreciate a comment on this point.