Since my appointment as Minister, I have met the officers of the IRFU on many occasions in relation to all facets of the game of rugby, including the proposal for a new stadium and the bid by Scotland and Ireland to host the finals of the European football championships in 2008. At all times I have been struck by the professional and honourable approach taken by the IRFU in its dealings with the Government. I have no doubt but that in dealing with the current issue it will also bring these qualities into play. Its performance during the bid for the European championship finals was, to say the very least, patriotic.