As I outlined to the Deputy in reply to a previous parliamentary question on 10 November 2004, I met officials of the Football Association of Ireland on 3 November 2004 arising from the recent developments within the organisation which resulted in the departure of its chief executive officer. I have had no further meetings with the FAI since then.
I fully support the delivery of the reform agenda mapped out in the Genesis report and I have indicated to the FAI that the positions of chief executive and director of finance and administration should be publicly advertised by the end of this year and that the terms of reference for both these posts be agreed beforehand by the joint Sports Council-FAI group which oversees the implementation of the Genesis report. The FAI has stated that it now intends to advertise these positions by year end. I have appointed my own representative to the joint Irish Sports Council- FAI liaison group which is overseeing the reform process. I look forward to working closely with the FAI in the many infrastructural projects which are being developed and which will have a major positive impact on Irish soccer.