Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1971

Vol. 257 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - GAA Report.

40.

Mr. Enright

asked the Minister for Education if he has seen the report of the Commission on the GAA, and in particular the recommendations regarding teaching hours given by teachers in organising games for students and transport arrangements to facilitate students in the playing of games; if he will endeavour to comply with these recommendations; if he will outline in detail the present situation in regard to (a) teaching hours for all types of games and (b) transport arrangements for games; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

41.

Mr. M. O'Leary

asked the Minister for Education whether any consideration has been given to the report of the 18 member committee on the activities of the GAA.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education (Mr. O'Kennedy)

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.

The report of the Commission on the Gaelic Athletic Association is a report to the Central Council of that association.

When the recommendations contained in the report have been considered by the association, it is open to them to make proposals to the Department.

Official syllabuses in physical education are contained in the curricula for primary and post-primary schools. Internal organised games are a recommended part of these syllabuses.

Where games are time-tabled as part of the ordinary curriculum, the normal homeward transport services are usually adequate. I am prepared to consider any local adjustments to school bus schedules which would facilitate students participating in games, provided no undue inconvenience is caused to other students and that no additional cost to the Exchequer is involved.

Mr. M. O'Leary

Will the Parliamentary Secretary agree that probably the biggest obstacle to improving sports facilities for young people throughout the country is, in fact, this matter of cost to the Exchequer? I think he is in charge of something like £100,000 a year and he is in a very difficult position in making a spread over to so many organisations. Does he see in the near future any review of this position in relation to the amount of cash going towards sports facilities for young people?

Mr. O'Kennedy

That hardly arises out of the questions I have answered.

Mr. M. O'Leary

The Parliamentary Secretary may have read the GAA report and will have seen that throughout that commendable report is this concern for facilities for Irish young people. This certainly arises out of that report and, if he has read it he will see that this is the concern that marks a great number of pages of that most competent report.

Mr. O'Kennedy

Yes, I have indicated in reply to the question that it is a report to the association itself and when the association have considered this, I will have the opportunity and will readily welcome the opportunity of talking to them on the basis of their conclusions. Other than that I do not think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the very wide range of matters in the Deputy's question.