Politics

Olympic ticket controversy: Shane Ross to leave Rio for Dublin

Minister keen to decide on ‘best course of action’ to address concerns over deepening saga

Minister for Sport Shane Ross, pictured above watching boxer Michael Conlan fighting at the Olympics on Tuesday, is to return to Dublin immediately to consult with his department on how to proceed with an investigation into the Olympic ticket controversy. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/INPHO.
Minister for Sport Shane Ross, pictured above watching boxer Michael Conlan fighting at the Olympics on Tuesday, is to return to Dublin immediately to consult with his department on how to proceed with an investigation into the Olympic ticket controversy. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/INPHO.
Sarah Bardon
Wed Aug 17 2016 - 17:38

Minister for Sport Shane Ross is to return to Dublin immediately to consult with his department on how to proceed with an investigation into the Olympic ticket controversy.

Mr Ross said the Irish Ambassador in Brazil had told him a second Irish person was arrested in connection with the alleged illegal sale of tickets earmarked for the Olympic Council of Ireland for the Rio Games.

He confirmed consular assistance was being offered to Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey, who was arrested on Wednesday morning.

“Given the seriousness of this matter, and in the interests of taking swift and decisive action, I will be returning to Dublin as quickly as possible,” Mr Ross said in a statement.

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“I will immediately consult with my officials, with Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, and with the Attorney General with a view to considering the options open to the Government and decide the best course of action.”

The Minister said he was unaware of Mr Hickey’s arrest until he saw it in the media. The Ambassador confirmed the details of the arrest to him.

Dark day

Fine Gael TD Noel Rock said Mr Hickey's arrest was a dark day for Irish sport.

“The Irish public deserve answers as to what exactly is going on with the OCI, and I believe the Minister must now get them,” he said.

“The OCI receives a substantial portion of taxpayer funding, and answers are now both urgent and necessary.

“It is clear that Irish authorities must now engage with counterparts in Brazil to ensure that this is dealt with but it is equally clear that we must get answers on behalf of the Irish public.”

Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin have both repeated their calls for an independent inquiry to be established into the ticket controversy.

Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley said Mr Hickey's arrest was a worrying development.

“The OCI have until now insisted that no independent person be involved in its investigation into this scandal,” he said.

“This position is simply no longer tenable. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross must now move to launch an overarching independent investigation.”