Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

The Minister keeps saying it is a matter for the sports council, but that is at the heart of the matter. There is a level of dysfunction between the sports council and the governing bodies of the various sporting organisations. There is a need to review the role and responsibilities of the council and there may be a need to introduce legislation.

We have learned of a big spat with the Athletics Association of Ireland, AAI, and we now know of another with the amateur boxing association. Where will it stop? We are also aware of other issues. The learning curve is slow indeed and the legislation needs to be reviewed.

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