Results 13,101-13,120 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Minister wants to contribute. Before he does so, I note that a couple of members have suggested we should suspend for about 15 or 20 minutes after this. Witnesses are entitled to a break as well, not that they have asked for it.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: One issue arises, but we may not be able to get the answer today. I understand Deloitte was obliged to tell the FAI when it assumed there were issues with its keeping of accounts. It then had up to seven days to tell the Director of Corporate Enforcement. Both we and the Minister need to know when Deloitte told the FAI. When did it form that opinion? While I am not saying it has...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: That is okay.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I have been informed that the Minister of State, Deputy Griffin, has to be in the Dáil at 5 p.m. and that the Minister, Deputy Ross, has to be in the Seanad at 4.55 p.m. In view of the importance of the issues here, I ask that they arrange for ministerial colleagues to take their business so that we can continue here. I cannot think of anything more important than hearing the answers...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: If there is a speech involved, someone else can read it. I am not being-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am just being factual. There is nothing more important than this.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: Perhaps both Houses could agree on this. If the Minister's colleague is not available, perhaps the matter could be adjourned until later this evening. That is my view, and I expect that it is the view of the committee.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: That is a disgrace, because Sport Ireland should have been told. Sport Ireland has been treated with contempt throughout this.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is not administered by the FAI.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I accept that the Minister and the Minister of State have other appointments, but perhaps members might like to ask them a question before they leave. It is unfortunate that they must leave. As I have received a new note, I ask members to, please, bear with me. I appreciate that the Minister is trying to get somebody to help him. I am in the hands of the committee. The order of speakers...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: That is no problem. It will mean that the Minister can leave earlier. We can manage that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: One cannot make them do so.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: Yes, we do.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: There are a number of members offering. I said Senator Mark Daly would be next, but in view of the fact that the Ministers will be leaving, I suggest members ask their questions first and then the Senator can comment. Does he agree or does he want to ask his questions now? It is up to him.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I understand, but I also understand the problem the Ministers have. Senator Mark Daly can ask his question and will be followed by Deputy Munster.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I just want to make sure the Minister will be here to answer the questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: Then it will be Deputy Jonathan O'Brien's turn.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: The problem is Grant Thornton is not the auditor.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I remind the Senator that this is a time for members to ask the Minister questions. I assure him that I will come back to him when it is time to ask Sport Ireland questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Governance and Funding of Football Association of Ireland: Discussion (16 Apr 2019)

Fergus O'Dowd: I urge members to ask questions.