Hill, Bonner and members of FAI pay committee summoned to State session

Jonathan Hill and Packie Bonner are among the FAI hierarchy invited to attend the Joint Oireachtas committee hearing on December 13 as the spotlight shines on the association’s governance.

Niamh Smyth, Chair of the Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media committee, has extended the invitation to chief executive Hill, as well as directors Gerry McAnaney, Packie Bonner, Niamh O’Mahony, Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce. Roy Barrett, who surprised his colleagues by quitting three weeks ago, has also been requested to participate.

The session entails two topics; the FAI’s aspirational €863m Facilities Investment Vision and Strategy as well as ‘recently reported governance issues’.

The committee intends to seek clarification on another two relevant matters, namely the Sports Ireland commissioned KOSI audit report into Hill’s remuneration and issues regarding gender balance at board level.

Hill 12 days ago issued an unreserved apology to staff after the audit revealed he was paid €12,000 in lieu of holidays not taken despite this practice being outlawed in the employee handbook.

KOSI also ascertained that €8,500 of benefit in kind (BIK) was liable on the expenses for flights and accommodation incurred through regular commutes from his London base since being appointed three years ago. The FAI footed the bills until Hill began paying himself at the start of 2023.

As the chief executive’s wage packet is linked to that of a senior civil servant since the FAI were bailed out in 2020 after the tenure of Hill’s predecessor John Delaney went awry, state support has been impacted.

Sports Minister Thomas Byrne last week admitted that €6.8m of Government funding has been stalled. The findings of their probe confirmed the