Vol. 474 No. 5
30 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulties experienced by the Crossmaglen Rangers Gaelic Football Club; his Department's involvement in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1377/97]
As I informed the Deputy in a written reply to a similar question from him on 22 January 1997, I have taken a close and continuing interest in the affairs of the Crossmaglen Rangers GAA Club.
I was pleased to receive a delegation from the club last April and was briefed on its ambitious development proposals, including the provision of improved player and spectator facilities at the club grounds. Subsequently, I raised the issue of the club's development plans at a meeting of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 22 May 1996.
Since then my Department has had a number of meetings with officers of the club, including one earlier this week, to see how best we can assist them in their development plans. I have instructed my officials to continue to work closely with the club in this regard.
I will ensure that all issues affecting the club continue to be closely monitored and, where appropriate, will pursue matters raised through the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
