Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Other people have a role in that. The only direct role I have relates to the Irish Sports Council. When I met representatives of both bodies, I was fairly blunt and straight in my assessment of the relationship between them. There have been further meetings between some of the people on both sides in recent days and weeks. Every time they meet, I am told everything is wonderful. Like the Deputy, I am aware of certain letters that have been sent. The letters that were sent to the joint committee amplified, rather than helped in any way to remove, the concerns we have about the relationships that exist. As Minister, I share the views of the members of the committee in this regard. This dispute is of no benefit to either of the sports bodies. As Deputy Mitchell said, there are issues with the Athletics Association of Ireland as well. This is not a healthy situation. I am considering making a substantial change to the numbers. I understand that seven positions are to be filled before the end of this month. I am actively examining whether the type of membership - the manner in which the membership might be constructed - could help to bring about a much better relationship between the sports bodies.

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