Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I am not sure after that reply whether the Minister agrees with the IRFU or with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. There are all kinds of perspectives involved - sport, tourism and Ireland's image abroad generally. Professional rugby is the second most successful sport Ireland has after horse racing and is one for which we are well known in Europe. It reflects very well on all of us to have the kind of name we have in rugby.

I do not know whether the Minister understands the fragile nature of the funding model rugby has in conjunctions with its partners, namely, the unions and various federations around Europe. If the linchpin of that funding model is pulled out the whole edifice collapses. As the Minister noted, there are four professional teams and there is no way they could be maintained without present funding. They will lose players to other clubs in Britain, France and other countries where rugby is a well-funded sport. Performances will deteriorate and audiences will dwindle away, with a trickle down effect on schools and clubs.

This is a case of the kindly doctor over-prescribing and killing the patient. It may be well motivated but is ill advised. The Minister has a real responsibility to defend the sport and ensure it will survive. I understand there is to be a further consultation period and the Minister is entitled to be consulted, as she should be. I ask her to make the strongest possible representations to her Cabinet colleague in this regard.

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