Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I want to raise three matters on the Order of Business, two of which relate specifically to promised legislation. On the first one I intend to raise, the Ceann Comhairle might give me some leeway when he hears the topic.

It is appropriate, and I am sure the Tánaiste would agree, that this House extends its congratulations to the Irish team and to manager Giovanni Trapattoni on what was a magnificent performance in Paris last night. Unfortunately, we discovered last night that major matches too frequently can be won by sleight of hand. I suppose in football as well as banking, light touch regulation does not work. I want to suggest to the Government a specific initiative that might be taken, and I hope the Tánaiste can constructively respond.

What happened last night, in the minds of many people, not just in this country but across the world, contaminated the credibility of the World Cup competition. This is an issue that needs to be addressed and it is one in which the Government can take a constructive role in addressing. Next autumn, the preliminary rounds of the European championships commence. Those championships are dominated by teams from the European Union-----

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