Noel Grealish: Don't Penalise Players for Politics

Go raibh maith agat Les Comhairle, Cathaoirleach. It is obvious that this House and indeed the people of Ireland have very significant concerns about Israeli actions in Palestine and the dire and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. I would reiterate that Israeli actions in Palestine consistently contravene international law and the government continues to press for appropriate action both at EU and international level. In response to Israeli breaches of humanitarian rights and democratic principles, the prevention by Israel of essential and significant humanitarian aid and going into the people of Gaza and the continued facilitation of violent settlers in the West Bank and the appalling displacement of so many people in Lebanon is completely unacceptable. Ireland has taken a strong stance in respect of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East including recognising the state of Palestine and the government stands ready to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine through the realisation of the two-state solution. The government believes that the most effective and impactful way to deal with Israel's actions is at European Union level. We have a consistently strong record as a country in highlighting these issues but also in taking action on a number of fronts. It is clear that the European Union needs to do more in relation to this issue and the Taoiseach has written to the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, asking that it be put on the table at the next European Council meeting and we will be continuing to raise this at EU level. We will also continue to use our influence to persuade the international community to take appropriate action and stop this conflict. We should not, however, reduce this issue to one or two football games or events. For good reasons, governments should not interfere with international sports federations nor national governing bodies of sport, particularly by directing who should play who in international sporting events. FIFA, the world football governing body, and UEFA, the European football governing body, are responsible for the system within which these fixtures are scheduled to take place and maintain a strong line against interference by governments in international football competitions. What we don't want to see is an Irish team penalised due to the interference by an Irish government. We are in government to run the country, the FAI should be left to run football. In this regard, the FAI has strongly represented the views of its membership that Israel should be excluded from international football competitions, including bringing a motion to UEFA to this effect last year. While we may all agree with the motion, the reality is that it was not passed by UEFA and the FAI must conduct itself in line with UEFA rules. While deciding whether or not to fulfil these fixtures is ultimately a matter for the FAI, it must be acknowledged that refusing to play the games against Israel risks isolating Irish football from the international football community. The FAI's role is to ensure that Irish football remains viable domestically and in good stand globally without inflicting long-term damage on the sport. Punishing athletes for the actions of governments undermines the principles of international sportsmanship. Players have trained their entire lives to compete for their country at the highest level. Denying Irish footballers the opportunity to compete in the National League compromises their careers and developments. The Irish players who brought us such joy in the last year and who have dedicated so much to representing their country should not be denied the opportunity to compete at major international tournaments as a consequence of decisions beyond their control. With regard to security around the home leg of the fixture in Dublin, the FAI are engaging with Angordish Econa, which is confident in its ability to deliver a safe and secure environment to facilitate the fixture should it take place in Dublin. Should the first fixture take place in Dublin, which again is ultimately a matter for the FAI and UEFA, I am fully confident that Angordish Econa has the experience and the resources to police the game properly. As has been pointed out during this debate, all national governing bodies of sport, including the FAI, are independent autonomous bodies responsible for the governance of their own sports, including the organisation of fixtures. The FAI is completely within its rights to fulfil its international fixtures and the Government acknowledges its right to do so. The Government has no legal authority to interfere with sporting fixtures and our amendment to the motion reflects that position. The Government proposes to amend the wording of this motion submitted to the House. Before I finish, I wish the ladies football team tonight a very important game. We are in here discussing soccer and I have to say I am very, very disappointed in all the members across the House. Not one wished the Irish ladies football team best wishes. Bear one the Minister here. Bear the Minister here. But I wish the women well in their game tonight.