Vol. 555 No. 5
255 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the Government has had recent discussions with the GAA regarding the use of Croke Park by other sports organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17129/02]
As the Gaelic Athletic Association is an independent autonomous body, the question of the use of Croke Park by other sports organisations is a matter for the GAA alone. In view of the national significance and the exceptional circumstances surrounding the joint Ireland-Scotland bid to host the European Championship Football Finals in 2008, the Taoiseach wrote on 16 September to the president of the GAA requesting the use of Croke Park, on a once-off basis, for some of the games in 2008. In acknowledging receipt of the letter the GAA stated that the issue would be raised with the association's management committee and sought a meeting with the Taoiseach which has been arranged for tomorrow.
