Joanna Byrne (Louth, Sinn Fein)

It is safe to say the last time the FAI appeared before this committee it was probably one of the most infamous hearings in the committee's history. As somebody who is heavily involved with the game and has a huge love for it, I was always very hopeful that the next time the FAI returned, it would be in a more positive setting and its representatives could outline the good work that is done under the new era to rebuild the reputation of and restore confidence in the organisation. Unfortunately, the uncertainty in recent days and the toing and froing - "Are they coming, are they not?" - probably has not covered the organisation in much glory.

That said, however, it is prudent of the FAI to reverse its decision and attend the committee today, considering the significance of the issues that have been raised and highlighted by my colleagues here, but also given the climate we are in and given that our academies will be heavily reliant on government funding in the upcoming budget in a couple of weeks' time and that any potential risk to that funding would have a detrimental effect on the evolution of the grassroots game in this country. I am a firm believer that you cannot punish the next generation of Irish footballers, be they children or women, for the sins of suits in boardrooms past or present.

With that in mind, I have listened intently to the answers the witnesses could and could not give. Can they outline to the committee how many outstanding legal cases there are at present?