Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We all accept that safety is paramount. We accept what the Minister of State has said with regard to the working group, the process and the engagement to date. However, the IMMAA believes that it is caught and that there are obstacles in its way. The Minister of State spoke about the Global Association of International Sports Federations, GAISF, requirement. This association believes that the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, IMMAF, will get authorisation as a global organisation but 50% of the organisations within IMAC do not have that recognition. The IMMAA believes this is an obstacle being put up unnecessarily. We are going to engage with Sport Ireland and it is our intention to support this to the end, ensuring that safety remains paramount, but we are calling for the support of Government and of the Minister of State. I accept that he cannot intervene but I ask him for some general support and to do what he can.

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