Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and all the witnesses for attending. I am going to waste the first minute of my ten minutes by being a fan. I have to acknowledge the presence of Packie Bonner, a living legend. I was only eight years old when Packie provided me with what is still my greatest sporting memory as a fan during the penalty shoot-out against Romania in the 1990 World Cup. I think it is a sad reflection that this is still my greatest memory as a fan, but it is a fact. It is an honour to have him here today. Those were amazing times.

We will crack on with the questions. There are some incredibly important issues to discuss, including the issue of gender balance and the gender make-up of boards. It is important that this is resolved and I understand steps have been taken to do this. That is greatly important.

I will focus on the governance issues within the FAI. I appreciate that in his opening statement Mr. Hill acknowledged that what happened in terms of the holiday payment in lieu was wrong. He has apologised and I understand he has returned that payment. That is laudable.

Having read the opening statements and assessed the situation that has transpired, I have many doubts about whether Mr. Hill was aware, during the time he was receiving these holiday payments, that they were being paid and also that it was wrong. That is something we have to establish. When did Mr. Hill became aware of these payments in lieu of holidays?