The Football Association of Ireland today welcomed a delegation from the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media, led by chair Deputy Niamh Smyth, to FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown.

Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team Manager Vera Pauw, FAI president Gerry McAnaney and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Hill greeted Deputy Smyth and her colleagues to the Association’s offices on the Sport Ireland campus.

A wide range of topics were discussed over the course of the visit including Facilities and Investment in Irish football, the current Player Pathway consultations with stakeholders across Ireland, Football for Women and Girls, Diversity and Inclusion, Major Event Hosting, Respect for Match Officials and Governance reforms.

Joining Fianna Fail Deputy for Cavan-Monaghan Smyth at FAI HQ were Independent Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick, Sinn Fein deputy Chris Andrews and Fianna Fail Senators Shane Cassells and Malcolm Byrne.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Deputy Smyth and her committee members to the FAI today and to outline to them our ongoing and future commitment to the development of Irish football for all our stakeholders, across all levels of our game,” stated FAI President Gerry McAnaney.

“We thank Deputy Smyth and her fellow Committee members for their attendance here today and for their contribution to a lively and informative debate on all matters relating to Irish football,” said FAI CEO Jonathan Hill. “The support of our politicians, across all parties and in both houses of the Oireachtas, is fundamental to the future of our game and we look forward to continuing to work with the Joint Committee and Government on making Irish football better for all.”