Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The IRFU has engaged in a number of partnerships. One such is with the Government in so far as between 2006 and 2010 more than €17.5 million was invested directly in the IRFU, outside of any capital expenditure. One may consider the €191 million that went into the Aviva stadium which opened only last week. The organisation also has commercial partnerships and is tied into these with other countries and these issues also must be considered.

Sport is for all and should be for all and participation at the broadest base possible should be encouraged. That is one of my aims. However, there is a balance to be found between participation by viewers and being able to encourage the sport at grass roots level while maintaining the professional element involved. There is no doubt that rugby has given us great sporting heroes and great success in recent years. That success breeds success because the sport has expanded hugely on the ground.

The IRFU made very strong arguments in regard to its financial commitments and its commercial partnerships and how it spends that money, not only in supporting professional players but in supporting the development of junior players, which last I support. On the other hand, there are very good arguments to be made about ensuring people can have access to viewing our great games and our national games. This balance now must be discussed during the consultation process. It is about who we are.

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