Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers has welcomed Swim Ireland's decision to appeal Ireland's 4x100 Medley Relay team's Olympic invitation being rescinded.
It appeared on Saturday that Ireland would be sending two swimming relay teams to this year's Olympics for the first time since 1972.
Both the 4x200m freestyle relay and the 4x100m medley relay squads had qualified for the Tokyo Games as wildcard picks, but FINA contacted Swim Ireland on Sunday to say the latter of those invitations had been issued in error.
Swim Ireland said in a statement on Monday that they were "extremely disappointed" with the decision.
The statement added: "Our intention is to challenge the decision and we are currently exploring all options in this regard."
Minister Chambers is backing their decision to appeal, telling RTE's Morning Ireland: "It’s a very unusual step for Fina to issue an invitation, for that to be accepted by Swim Ireland and for them to then rescind that.
"I welcome the fact that Swim Ireland are now exploring all options and looking to appeal the decision.
"I know Swim Ireland will do everything to appeal that and hopefully get that invitation restored."
