Mr. John Treacy:

Yes.

Noting the FAI board’s ability to appoint an independent person to the sub-committee which is examining these matters, Sport Ireland will also nominate a person with relevant experience to sit on the committee.

In the light of our role as a development agency, Sport Ireland will also seek to expedite the level of additional governance support, training and assistance which can be provided for all national governing bodies, NGBs. It will include a chairpersons network to bring together NGB chairpersons for the consideration and discussion of topics of mutual interest, to share ideas and learning, as well as to inform the development of good public governance. This is in accordance with actions already identified and being progressed in the Government’s national sports policy.

Sport Ireland is aware that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, as well as the Minister of State, will also have additional questions for and requirements to make of the FAI. Sport Ireland has no role in the sports capital programme beyond what applies to the provision of large-scale national projects on the Sport Ireland Campus. In that regard, it will liaise with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport before any decision is taken to restore funding to the FAI.

The board of Sport Ireland has agreed to keep the FAI’s progress in dealing with all relevant issues under review at each and every board meeting. Sport Ireland will continue to provide non-financial assistance and guidance for the FAI which may be helpful in advancing matters.

Sport Ireland with representatives of the FAI last night. An update on the meeting will be given to the committee today.