Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the demand by certain sporting organisations in the North that people living there not be allowed to declare for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35054/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Good Friday Agreement recognised the right of people born in Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish, British or both, as they may choose. Any attempt to deny this right should be strongly rejected, as running contrary to the Agreement and the basic concept of parity of esteem it sets out.

I am aware of reports that concerns have been expressed to FIFA about the number of football players born in Northern Ireland who are opting to play for Ireland.

A previous attempt to impose a requirement for players representing Northern Ireland to hold a British passport was overturned by FIFA and UEFA, following my strenuous representations on the issue. This House can rest assured thatany further efforts to undermine the rights recognised in the Good Friday Agreement will be resisted.