Bernard J. Durkan
Question:159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the outcome of recent discussions he has had with the Football Association of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31650/04]
View answerWednesday, 1 December 2004
Questions (132, 133)
Written answers
I met with officials of the Football Association of Ireland on 3 November 2004 arising from the recent developments within the association which resulted in the departure of the chief executive officer of the association. I have had no further meetings with since then Football Association of Ireland.
At the meeting, I reiterated to the association officials in attendance that the Government looks to the association to become a dependable, effective and efficient organisation capable of accepting and discharging its responsibilities for projects to which the Government has committed substantial support from public funds. These include the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road stadium, the development of a sports campus at Abbotstown, funding under the sports capital programme for soccer clubs at national, regional and local levels and the funding provided to the association by the Irish Sports Council.
Jack Wall
Question:160 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the contents of correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31683/04]
View answerThe correspondence referred to by the Deputy has been brought to my attention. I refer the Deputy to my answer to Questions Nos. 149 and 188 of 20 October last. I fully support the delivery of the reform agenda mapped out in the Genesis Report and I have indicated to the Football Association of Ireland that the positions of chief executive and director of finance 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 Irish Sports Council and Ireland Liaison Group which oversees the implementation of the Genesis Report. I welcome the confirmation by the Football Association of Ireland that it intends to advertise these positions by the end of the year.
I look forward to working closely with the Football Association of Ireland in the continued development of the game of soccer particularly in the many infrastructural projects which are being developed and which will have a major positive impact on Irish soccer.
Question No. 161 withdrawn.