Parties push for independent inquiry into Olympics tickets

Minister for Sport Shane Ross is coming under increasing political pressure to establish an independent inquiry into the Olympics tickets controversy.

Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and some members of Fine Gael have insisted an investigation must be set up to run parallel to the Olympic Council of Ireland’s (OCI) inquiry.

Ministers are also said to be eager to have an inquiry into the controversy which has overshadowed Ireland’s Olympics.

Internal inquiry

Some Government sources have privately criticised the OCI and its president, Pat Hickey, for their rejection of the Government's request for an independent person to be involved in the OCI's internal inquiry.

One Minister told The Irish Times the OCI received substantial State funds and the taxpayer required answers.

Mr Ross yesterday consulted Attorney General Máire Whelan about whether the Government could establish its own investigation.

He is deeply disappointed with Mr Hickey’s refusal to consider appointing some independent people to the OCI inquiry team.

Political pressure has continued to mount on the OCI to address the controversy publicly, with fresh calls yesterday for Mr Hickey to appear before an Oireachtas committee.

Fine Gael TD Noel Rock said Mr Ross needed to be firm with Mr Hickey and insist on his full co-operation.

He said there were serious concerns over why the OCI and its president were “opposed to oversight and transparency”.

Mr Rock, a member of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee, claimed the organisation was stonewalling, which he said was unhelpful and inappropriate.

“The OCI are trying to hide in the shadows of legal advice – but that’s not good enough: legal advice doesn’t preclude them from having an external individual take part in their own investigation.

“That’s stonewalling, plain and simple.”

He added: “I believe Pat Hickey needs to sit down with Minister Ross and I believe Minister Ross needs to drive home both the urgency of the situation and the gravity of the situation.

“Ultimately, it’s time that Shane Ross got tough with the Olympic Council of Ireland.”

His Fine Gael colleague, Brendan Griffin, who is chairman of the Oireachtas transport committee, said transparency and accountability were essential.

Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley said Mr Ross needed to bypass the OCI and insist on an independent investigation.

Sinn Féin TD Imelda Munster echoed these calls and said parallel plans should be drawn up for a committee hearing.

Reputational damage

“As this story continues to dominate the public discourse, Ireland’s international reputation is continuing to be damaged.

“It is therefore vitally important that we have maximum accountability on this.

“The attitude of Pat Hickey so far is simply not good enough.”

She said Mr Ross should push ahead with an independent inquiry.

She said that she had urged Mr Griffin to write to Mr Hickey to invite him in to an Oireachtas committee meeting to answer questions about the controversy.

Mr Ross met the director general of the International Olympic Committee last night to discuss the controversy.