AG raises concerns over independent inquiry into Olympics tickets

The Government has moved to dampen expectations of an independent inquiry being established into the ticket touting controversy.

Minister for Sport Shane Ross had raised the prospect of a parallel investigation to the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) inquiry into the affair. He said on Monday that he would consult the Attorney General, Máire Whelan, after the OCI refused his request to allow an independent person join its investigation into Ireland's Olympic ticketing controversy.

Mr Ross’s office contacted Attorney General Márie Whelan’s office to initiate the process.

It is understood Ms Whelan, however, has raised concerns about potentially interfering with criminal investigations in Brazil, where one Irish man, Kevin Mallon, has been detained, accused of ticket touting. Arrest warrants have been issued by Brazilian police for four other people.

The Irish Times understands Government figures are now eager to draw a line under the controversy, which is overshadowing Ireland’s performance at the games.

Senior sources say a Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport examination of events could be sufficient.

Its findings would be then sent to the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Sport for examination.

Minister of State at the Department Patrick O’Donovan said politicians should be alert to the fact they could prejudice inquiries in Brazil.

Questions

“Questions do need to be answered but we can’t make a bad situation worse,” he said. “I was the first person in Brazil who was confronted with this issue and I made my feelings known at that early stage that the Oireachtas was the best place to deal with the matter.

“My view is that the most appropriate place for this matter is the Dáil’s committee on sport.

“There has been a precedent established for this already after the same committee reviewed the Olympics after they were held in London.

“While the other investigations into the matter are ongoing it would not be helpful for anything to happen in Ireland that would prejudice that. People are entitled to due process.”

The OCI has received €1.7 million in State funding over the past four years but has been accused of stonewalling Government requests.

Mr O’Donovan said he did not expect the body to refuse to co-operate with an Oireachtas committee. “I would expect that anyone in receipt of State funding would co-operate. It is a significant amount of money that the OCI receive.”