Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

We should not rewrite history. The Minister had his period of consultation but it seems that he listened most closely to his son. I do not argue with that but he did not work out his position. When he announced his intention to designate at the end of what appeared to be a consultation period, all hell broke lose and he is now trying to dress up the process to make it seem as if he is beginning again. He said that he intended to designate and I understand this comes after taking advice from the then Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, although he still has not addressed that question. The then Minister was opposed to it. What is the position of the current Minister? Does she support the proposal? If the Minister, Deputy Ryan, cannot persuade his colleagues in Government, he is on a hiding to nothing.

What efforts have been made to investigate the cost of this proposal to the IRFU? I do not usually defend the IRFU, although I think rugby is a wonderful sport, but it is struggling at present. In terms of commercial resources, it is down approximately €560,000 because of the recession and reduced advertising revenue. However, when the Minister announced his proposal, he blithely claimed it would be able to make up the difference, whether it is €10 million or €12 million. That is irresponsible policy development.

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