Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2017
68. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged, or if he plans to engage, with relevant bodies regarding the possibility of the formation of an all-island soccer team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49287/17]
View answerThe organisation of sport in Ireland on an all-island basis has worked verysuccessfully for a number of sports, most notably in the case of rugby.
The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) and Irish Football Association (Northern Ireland) are independent, autonomous bodies and any proposals regarding an all-island international soccer team would be a matter for those two organisations.
I am not aware that either organisation has sought re-structuring on an all-island basis. In any event, I would not have a direct role in such a matter and I have not been involved in any discussions of this nature.
