Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

It is important that whatever happens sporting interests are protected. We should have no intervention that would hamper our athlete's opportunities for success. Has the Minister met Mr. Pat Hickey of the IOC? Perhaps he has not had an opportunity to do so since taking up his new portfolio. It would be important to speak to him and representatives of the athletes.

I accept the Minister's answer to the previous question with regard to attendance at the opening ceremony.

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