Ba mhaith liom fáilte chroíúil a chur roimh an toscaireacht atá anseo ón gCumann Lúthchleas Gael — an tuachtarán, Mr. Nickey Brennan; an tard-stiúrthóir, Mr. Páraic Duffy; agus Mr. Feargal McGill, atá ag obair in oifig an ard-stiúrthóra. Ceapaim gurb iad an chéad toscaireacht ón gcumann a tháinig go dtí an chomhchoiste seo sa 30ú Dáil. The members of the delegation are all welcome. We are delighted they have taken the time to share their thoughts with the committee. The whistle has been blown and the game is on.
Gaelic Games Issues: Discussion with Gaelic Athletic Association
Mr. Nickey Brennan
A Chathaoirleach agus a chairde, ar son Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, gabhaim buíochas leis an gcoiste as ucht an cuireadh chun labhairt leis an Chomhchoiste um Ghnóthaí Ealaíon, Spóirt, Turasóireachta, Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta inniu. Tá ard-stiúrthóir nua an chumainn, Mr. Páraic Duffy, agus Mr. Feargal McGill, atá ag obair in oifig an ard-stiúrthóra, in éineacht liom.
Is mian liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Rialtas as ucht na tacaíochta a thug sé dúinn go dtí seo. Tá Cumann Lúthchleas Gael sáite i gceartlár paróistíó Thuaidh agus ó Theas. Tá béim mhór ar ár gcumann i measc Éireannaigh thar lear. Tá an-chuid dúshláin againn. Beidh orainn ár n-aird a dhíriú orthu sa dtodhchaí. Ní hamháin go bhfuil an cumann ag cuidiú le ardú céime ár gcluichí náisiúnta, ach tá sé freisin ag cothú muintir na hÉireann ó thaobh oideachais agus sláinte de. Is rud faoi leith í an méid oibre atá idir lámha ag cumainn eágsúla ar fud na hÉireann. Mar sin, tá sé thar a bheith oiriúnach tacaíocht an Rialtas a fháil chun fiúntas ár gcumann a leanúint.
I thank the Chairman and the members of the committee for inviting us to attend this meeting. As the Chairman said, this is the first time we have been here. We are delighted to be here. I will speak about certain matters before handing over to the ard-stiúrthóir, Mr. Duffy, who will speak about some of the association's strategic initiatives. We will give members of the committee as much time as possible to ask questions.
Some of the members of the committee may not be familiar with some of the GAA's structures, including the annual congress, central council and management committee. The GAA has approximately 2,500 clubs in Ireland and over 400 clubs overseas. It has a presence in virtually every parish in Ireland. It has approximately 750,000 members. It has many full-time staff at central level in Croke Park and elsewhere. They work for Cumann Lúthchleas Gael; Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta, which is the body that manages the stadium, the four provincial councils and the county committees. The club is the heart of the association. The association's additional personnel overseas are supported by the overseas unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and are funded under the DION programme.
My colleague, Mr. Duffy, will allude to some of the many challenges which face the Gaelic Athletic Association. Like all organisations, the GAA is finding that its running costs are continuing to increase. I refer to costs like insurance, travel and medical expenses at county and central level. All levels of the association have a constant need to acquire more physical infrastructure. We will outline some of our ideas in that regard which relate specifically to local authorities.
The growth in ladies' games is posing challenges for the GAA. While the ladies' organisations are not fully integrated into the association, they work extremely closely with it. They use the GAA's resources, for example. It is right that we support them in every way possible, particularly at club level.
Although ESRI figures some time ago suggested that the GAA contributes more than 42% of all volunteers in this country, the association continues to find it a challenge to attract volunteers. All members will know what I mean when I say that lifestyles are changing. As people travel more each day, they are more likely to be tired. Nevertheless, we continue to attract large numbers of volunteers. We are upgrading our officers as more is required of them. They have to implement codes of conduct and ethics, for example.
I do not want to go into too much detail in discussing the overall level of participation in Gaelic games. The GAA employs over 300 games development officers, at an annual cost of over €4 million. It receives funding of €3.59 million per annum from the Irish Sports Council towards coaching and games development. I would like to take this opportunity to offer the sincere thanks of the GAA to the council for that support. The level of Irish Sports Council funding has not increased for some time, however. We recognise that the country is facing more difficult times. I hope the allocation can be revised in the future.
Some 14,500 youth teams, 1,500 under-21 teams and 4,500 adult teams are registered by the GAA. The VHI cúl camps, which are taking place at the moment, have grown enormously. If, as we expect, 82,000 young children participate in the camps this summer, it will be clear that they represent by far the biggest summer camp activity in the country. Approximately 6,000 young people between the ages of 14 and 17 are involved in hurling and Gaelic football development squads.
The GAA places a great deal of emphasis on, and invests many resources in, education programmes for administrators, coaches, referees and county officers. We have developed a great deal of material to assist in this area. The GAA won an e-learning product award at the 2007 digital media awards for its "Fun Do" resource pack.
The association is conscious of the duty of care it owes to young people. We have adopted the code of best practice for working with young children in youth sport. We are in the process of appointing a national children's welfare officer to work with GAA clubs throughout the country. Approximately 50,000 people will have to be trained over the next year or two. Such training has already taken place in the Six Counties. Our new children's welfare officer will certainly look after that.
I would like to give the committee some figures. In 2007, 48% of the GAA's revenue at national level came from gate receipts. It is fair to say that figure is reducing slightly as the percentage of the association's revenue that comes from commercial sources continues to increase. Some 22% of its revenue came from commercial sources in 2007. Grants from the Irish Sports Council accounted for 6% of the GAA's revenue. It is important for the committee to note that 78% of all revenue generated by the association is distributed back into the association. The other 22% of revenue is used to run our games at central level and to administer the association.
I spoke briefly about the value of the social capital that is provided by Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. As many changes take place in communities throughout the country — post offices, shops, creameries and churches are closing, etc. — the GAA continues to be a key focus for vibrant communities everywhere.
The association has spent more than €3 billion on its infrastructure. While we are deeply indebted to the Government for the infrastructural funding we get through the sports capital programme, it is important to note that the funding we get from that source accounts for just 27%, on average, of the cost of any individual development. The rest of the cost of any project is met by the GAA club or county unit involved. I do not deny that the 27% of funding I mentioned is hugely important in getting such projects over the line.
I do not think enough emphasis has been placed on the economic value of the GAA. The benefits the GAA brings are evident when one observes major crowds gathering in towns throughout the country. Some 1.8 million people attend championship matches throughout the country each year. A study published by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce reported that all-Ireland finals are worth €20 million to the city of Dublin. I admit that the report is quite dated as it was compiled in 2003. It is clear that the figure in question has increased rapidly since then. It is an indication of the value of all-Ireland finals and all sports occasions.
Mr. Duffy will speak later about the strategic plan that is being developed for the association, as it approaches its 125th anniversary in 2009.
I wish to touch on a couple of points raised in the communications to us before handing over to Mr. Páraic Duffy. In the area of sponsorship, I alluded to the fact that commercial activities are important to our association and we have concluded three year contracts relating to sponsorship for our championships. The hurling one is for two years while the football one is for three years. We also have a three year media contract. They afford us an opportunity to seek out new partners for our association which will help us to distribute the funding. Members will probably have seen the signage around county grounds, etc. Significant moneys are being sent directly to counties as a result of that sponsorship. These are moneys, about which the counties could never have dreamed in the past.
Another important area for us in the past two years is player welfare. Mr. Páraic Duffy, who is now our ardstiúthóir, was previously player welfare manager, a role which will be filled shortly. We have undertaken numerous initiatives in the areas of injury research, work on cardiac screening, concussion and the production of player welfare booklets for 250,000 players around the country. We have made huge progress in this area with players.
Amateurism continues to be a challenge for us. It has been challenged on many fronts. We believe that by looking after our players in the best possible manner, we need have no fears that professionalism will come into our association. However, we must be professional about how we run our business. Having said that, it is a matter which will clearly remain on the agenda. We are not that naive not to think about that.
In the past couple of years, whether people like it, the role of the GPA has become a reality. My colleagues and I accept that and we are working towards engaging with the GPA to see if it can become part of the organisation, that is, a negotiating group within our association. I cannot say whether we will achieve that but I hope we will. We are very keen that we can have mutual areas of understanding where we can respect the position of each other.
Croke Park is the jewel in our crown and it is currently being used by a multitude of other sports. We are aware that Lansdowne Road will be ready by the end of spring 2010. It is important to point out that should there be any use of Croke Park after that date — I am not trying to speculate but it has been speculated that people may want to use it — it will be a matter for a further a motion to our annual congress. If that happens, let it run its course.
I have covered all the main points, so I will hand over to Mr. Páraic Duffy to deal with some strategic initiatives which he will go through quickly.
Mr. Páraic Duffy
The main issue of concern to me in my role as director general is the development of a national strategic plan. We began the process back in February and we hope to have a plan ready to launch shortly after the all-Ireland finals. As part of the development of the plan, we have had a major consultation process involving members at every level. We had a national club forum in Croke Park. It is the largest consultation process the association has ever undertaken.
Ten key themes emerged from that process and we now have ten working groups working on a strategy around those themes. The greatest challenge facing us is the issue of organisation. Without going into great detail, the Ireland of today is very different from that in which the GAA developed. Some 41% of the population are living in five counties along the eastern seaboard and towns are expanding throughout the country. That is a challenge for the GAA. We need to develop new clubs and get more people playing our games. However, there are problems in terms of the availability, cost and acquisition of land. That is a huge challenge for us.
The following challenges are in no particular order of importance. The second is the challenge of integrating the new Irish into the GAA. We held a number of sessions with the new Irish and one of the issues which emerged was that many of them thought the GAA was only for Irish people, so we have much ground to make up. We want to be a welcoming organisation. We are just completing the development of an integration strategy which is a priority for us, that is, that people who come to Ireland from other countries are made to feel welcome in the GAA. We believe GAA clubs have a crucial role to play in helping people to integrate. That is a huge challenge which has been identified by our members as one they want us to take on.
The third area is communications, in particular internal communications. It is fair to say that something of a disconnect has developed between our level at Croke Park and club level. We have just appointed a new director of communications. We are revamping our communications department and we expect to make major improvements in that area in the short term.
I suppose the following relates to the issue of urbanisation. Our club structure is perhaps not the best one to adapt to the needs of a growing urban population. We need to develop more flexible structures which will make it easier for new clubs to be established in urban areas.
The uachtarán referred to the amateur status of the GAA and this emerged as a huge issue for our members. It is fair to say the debate around the plan coincided with the debate around the Government funding of players. However, it was very clear from the consultation process that our members want the GAA to remain an amateur organisation. As the uachtarán said, it is not as simple as that but the core tenet of being amateur is central to our members. We have to devise ways to maintain our amateur status, the idea of community service and so on while at the same time address the realities of the world in which we live. That is one of the issues we are trying to address in the plan.
We are also trying to raise standards of planning, in particular financial planning, within the association and of governance and accountability. Ours is a large organisation and we handle huge amounts of money. However, beyond that, we want to develop a culture of planning in order that GAA clubs see we must plan on an ongoing basis and that it is not a simple question of developing and implementing a national strategic plan. Clubs at every level, provincial councils and county boards must get into this planning cycle. We are trying to develop that type of culture which will be a priority in the plan.
Another core tenet is that we maintain the idea of the GAA as a family and community organisation. We will look at ways to ensure that remains the case. Even though the country may have changed and the organisation may change, at heart, the GAA will always be family-based community organisation.
One of the huge areas for us in recent years has been the growth of ladies' games. That has enabled our clubs to involve more females. It has been good for the association and we want to work on and develop that community aspect.
The clubs have said they want quality service from Croke Park. I want to the see the executive, the team of people who work with me, provide the best possible information service to our clubs throughout the country.
Another issue which emerged from the consultation process is the importance of ensuring our games are accessible to everybody, whether the disabled, the new Irish, etc. We want to be a classless, all-embracing organisation. That is one of the priorities which has been identified in the strategic plan.
The plan will be built around those nine or ten key concepts. As I said, we hope to have it finalised by the end of September and launched in October. The challenge then will be to make it a reality.
I welcome Mr. Nickey Brennan and Mr. Páraic Duffy and wish them well. Mr. Duffy has just taken up a new position and Mr. Brennan, who has done an excellent job as president, is coming to the end of the line. I compliment the GAA on the way it operates at local and national levels. It is no different from politics in that there is a disconnect between Deputies and councillors and the people. There has been a feeling over the years that there is a disconnect between Croke Park and the members. I am glad the GAA is doing something about that. We try to remedy that disconnect at a political level every day.
Croke Park is a fabulous stadium and I would like the GAA to invite this committee to visit it at some stage. The GAA is weak on public relations and the FAI has a lot to teach it in that regard. I would like to visit Croke Park other than to attend a match and would like to see how it operates. I recently visited Toulouse as part of a committee to see how it operates.
Croke Park is a credit to the GAA. Mr. Brennan, whose time as president is coming to an end, was involved in opening it up. I hope that in years to come that facility will be opened up to whatever events are held in this country. The stadium is a credit to the GAA and the country and the GAA should not be afraid to show it off. I know there are people who want to close up the GAA but it should be opened up. It is right about its approach to immigrants. It is an area in which it is weak. Soccer is beating the GAA in terms of involving non-nationals who will be Irish citizens in the future. It is important the GAA targets them to try to get them to play Gaelic games. They will be Irish citizens in the future. It is important that the GAA finds a way to get them playing GAA games. It is a great opportunity. The GAA is a wonderful organisation. No doubt the three best organisations in this country are the church, the GAA and Fine Gael, although Fianna Fáil would not agree.
Will the grants scheme work? Can it be administered? I am in favour of it. The players give a considerable commitment. It is important that the GAA now looks after its players. If the GAA does not put the players into Croke Park, it will not get the crowds.
Will they stop this nonsense of facilitating Dublin supporters coming in late for every match? Let Dublin supporters come in on time like people from every other county. If they will not come in on time, start the next match on time and they will come on time for the following matches.
I compliment the GAA. It is a great organisation. Sometimes Deputy O'Mahony and others forget that I played in Croke Park, but the delegation will be aware that I have an all-Ireland medal from 1971.
Deputy O'Mahony will not forget it now.
He will not. If he wants me for Sunday week, I am available as well. The GAA is a good organisation that does a great deal for our youth.
The other criticism I ask Mr. Brennan to look at relates to the GAA's revenue. The GAA depends on revenue and it needs sponsorship, but I ask him to get rid of sponsorship from drinks companies. There must be other companies that want to be associated with and to sponsor the GAA. I want to see an end to Guinness sponsorship of the GAA and an end to Heineken sponsorship of rugby. We do not need such sponsors. This country has serious drink-related problems. While I understand that the GAA needs sponsorship, and I listened to details of its revenue and understand that one needs money to run any organisation, there must be other sponsorship the GAA can target. The GAA has a few years to do that and I hope it will because it is a good organisation. The GAA is good for the youth, for rural Ireland and for the cities. The GAA brings everybody together and it is important that it remains a strong organisation.
Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a ghabháil le huachtarán agus ard stiúrthóir Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. I am delighted there is recognition that the clubs in urban areas are under severe pressure for space. There are several of them in my constituency, including Na Fianna, which are put to the pin of their collar to cater for the number of people expressing an interest in Gaelic games, and particularly in the ladies' team events. There are options in the layout and design of pitches to maximise use of space. Many of the clubs share their facilities with other sports and that could be encouraged throughout the city. The use of schools outside of term is another good idea, as is co-operation with the local authorities in the use of their pitches. Other State bodies, for instance, CIE, have large tracts of land adjacent to many of their premises and infrastructure. Perhaps the GAA could look at interacting with the schools and other State agencies.
I could not let the opportunity pass without referring to the privilege of having Croke Park in my constituency of Dublin Central. It plays a significant role in the life of that part of Dublin. Over the years there have been issues with local residents' associations and a number of efforts were made to resolve some of the issues that arise, particularly with large events. Some of the issues, such as policing and cleaning up after matches, have been tackled. However, there are still ongoing issues. I encourage the GAA to continue to engage with local residents.
An umbrella group represented the vast majority of people living in the vicinity and my experience in the past 20 years dealing with that area is that there is considerable respect for Croke Park and for the GAA among the people living around the stadium. There is recognition of the benefits the stadium has brought to that area, both to businesses and to local schools and children's groups. Various organisations in the area have benefited greatly from the presence of Croke Park. However, there are issues that need to be teased out on an ongoing basis and I would encourage the GAA, and particularly the stadium authorities, to continue to engage with local communities on some of the issues.
I thank Mr. Brennan, Mr. Duffy and Mr. McGill. It is some combination — Kilkenny, Monaghan and Leitrim. They are very welcome and I thank them for the presentation. While we have met on many other occasions in different settings, I stress the professional way that the GAA has approached many issues over the years. From time to time, the GAA has been criticised, perhaps for taking time to deliberate before change is introduced, but when it fully decides, it usually gets it right.
I agree with Deputy Ring. Incidentally, we have training tomorrow night, if he would like to attend.
A Member
Deputy Ring will be canvassing Westport.
Not only that, but if he gets the invitation to Croke Park, I will show him the way out there.
The issues mentioned are the challenges. The first one that arose was the issue of professional versus amateur ethos. Some of these issues overlap because the disconnect between Croke Park and the clubs may be as a result of the way the GAA has run its organisation so professionally, and also, from a player's point of view, the fantastic facilities and the amount of money in commercial sponsorship and, I suppose, even the publicity received by the Australian scouts in recent days. It is important that the GAA keeps the amateur ethos but there will be considerable challenges.
I noted Mr. Tadhg Kennelly, one of the biggest stars of Australian rules, warning young players from Ireland not to go out to Australia with their eyes closed. Voluntarism is challenged when a club puts on training sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings and sees its player get on a county minor team and then be cherrypicked. I sympathise with the GAA's efforts to deal with what is not a level playing field. There are players from my county who have gone to Australia in the past year, some of whom are being exploited in many respects because they end up on 15,000 or 20,000 Australian dollars per year, which is not the minimum wage. They have stars in their eyes and think that they can become like a Premiership player in England.
At the time I did some research on what is happening in Australia. The public perception is that it is great that these players are brought out and they have a great career ahead of them. Some 80% of them are on the average industrial wage and most end up looking for work at the age of 35 with no qualification having left college early in Ireland. It is a major challenge. The delegation has met the scouts and I would be interested to hear how they plan to deal with the issue. Volunteers like to see their young stars getting ahead, but if they see them cherrypicked, it will diminish the number of volunteers available.
I agree with Deputy Ring on the issue of sponsorship by drinks companies. I stated in the Chamber last week that there needs to be discussion. Sponsorship is badly needed within the organisation, but sponsorship from the drinks companies must end. It is as simple and as straightforward as that, however it is done.
The delegation mentioned the GPA. Having been a player and having worked with players over the years, I know players are central to the GAA. The sooner the GPA can be brought into the organisation, the better.
Reference was made to the growth of women's football and how it has been incorporated. Some people have suggested that the recently introduced grants should also be paid to women footballers. It would be great if the Government could see its way to allowing this to happen. While women's football has undergone a massive expansion, I am aware that those involved do not receive travelling expenses and are obliged to buy their own meals, etc. Consideration must be given to granting women footballers equal status. I am not necessarily suggesting that this should initially be done in the context of players' grants. However, some funding should be provided as women's football becomes more linked in with the GAA.
I agree with our guests in respect of the integration of people who have come to Ireland to live. There is a major opportunity at every level, particularly club level, to welcome people and integrate them. I am aware that this is beginning to happen and that games involving children and others who have come here to live have been held at half-time during major sports events in Croke Park. Integration should be seen as an opportunity rather than as a challenge.
I agree with the comments relating to Croke Park. I have attended a number of Gaelic football matches, soccer matches and conferences at Croke Park, which is a fabulous stadium. Everything about it is good, except if one suffers from vertigo and one's seat is located on the very top tier of one of the stands. Croke Park is, nonetheless, a brilliant facility and the GAA displayed great foresight in redeveloping it. When compared to any of the international stadia one might see on television, it is just fabulous.
Will our guests outline their views on the recent ESRI report, which contained a commentary on the GAA? The report did not indicate that membership of the organisation was declining but it did state that other sports are catching up in this regard. What is the significance of this development and is there something the organisation could or should be doing in respect of it?
I recognise the significant input of volunteers into the GAA. I am sure the organisation faces the same challenges as those faced by similar bodies throughout the country because it is no longer easy to encourage people to volunteer. We must recognise the fact that people need to be rewarded for their efforts, that they must be encouraged and that it must be made easy for them to be part of the system.
Deputy O'Mahony referred to scouts coming here from Australia to recruit players. Will our guests comment further on that matter, which is of extreme importance to the GAA?
Everyone recognises that Croke Park is a brilliant stadium. However, there are many other venues throughout the country which are not quite so good. I say this against the background of what I perceive to be a recent move to sell off venues located in the centres of towns or cities — I refer to Cusack Park in Ennis — and moving to new facilities outside urban areas. This will make it much more difficult to access new venues which may be located four or five miles outside towns or cities and which may not be serviced by public transport. Will our guests comment on this matter and indicate what will be the impact on young players who will need to be ferried back and forth? There are only so many mothers who are in a position to bring their children to training or matches.
I welcome the comments about the new Irish and encouraging their integration. I heard a report on radio earlier today about a hurling and Gaelic football club in Budapest, how it began life as a soccer team and how it has evolved and grown. This club is making its statement with regard to the GAA abroad. It is extremely important that we should involve members of the new communities in this country in Gaelic games. My feelings in respect of encouraging greater involvement on the part of women in Gaelic games are similar. We should investigate how to promote the latter.
Discipline is the elephant in the corner as regards the GAA. This problem is not exclusive to the GAA but there has been a significant lack of sportsmanship on display at some of the organisation's recent high level sports fixtures. I put it to our guests that this matter should be addressed, in a major way, by the GAA and those who have a role to play. High profile instances of indiscipline do great damage to the image of Gaelic games. Nine and ten year olds are being shown a bad example by their heroes and role models. The GAA has a major responsibility to put an end to the type of behaviour we have seen recently.
I have strong feelings about this matter. We often comment on violence on our streets but we discuss it far less when it happens in a sports environment. I am not stating that everyone involved in sport should stand back and be extremely polite. I understand the rough and tumble of Gaelic games. It is, after all, about winning and all that goes therewith. However, there is an issue which must be addressed.
My views on advertising and sponsorship, and the involvement of the drinks industry, are similar to those of others. I recognise that there is a need for funding and sponsorship. The National Youth Council of Ireland compiled a report on this matter and there is also the voluntary code on alcohol advertising. What will be the impact on minor hurlers and footballers, who are under 18 years of age, if alcohol is advertised on hoardings, etc., at their games? Do matters of this nature have any relevance to the GAA?
Fáilte go Nickey Brennan, Páraic Duffy agus Feargal McGill. I am prejudiced in my view of the GAA because I grew up as a member of the organisation. Deputy Cyprian Brady referred to the Na Fianna club, of which I was a member and with which I was lucky enough to win a county championship. The GAA is a fantastic organisation and does good work throughout the country. However, I am not stating that it does not face certain challenges and difficulties.
Nickey Brennan and Páraic Duffy alluded to many of the issues that arise in this regard, particularly in the context of new areas in which there has been massive growth. Dublin North, the constituency I represent, is the fastest growing area in Europe. The GAA has not really established itself in areas such as those to which I refer. I recognise that existing clubs are slow — sometimes as a result of a lack of manpower — to establish operations in these areas. Soccer clubs are much quicker to do so because all they need to do is put up some goalposts, find a manager and children can then play seven-a-side games. The GAA operates differently.
Dublin is our capital city. The greater Dublin area has a population of 1.5 million. The GAA must increase its involvement in order to ensure that it will obtain its share of the market and will continue with the great work it is already doing. Dublin has slipped down the order in GAA terms. The Dublin football team has not won an All-Ireland final in 13 years and the hurling team has not been in an All-Ireland final since 1961, when some of my colleagues from Na Fianna took part. There is a real challenge in this regard. Reference was made to television, commercialisation, etc. The greatest means of promotion for the GAA would be the success of teams in major urban areas. If Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick, where major growth is taking place, are not to the fore, the GAA will suffer.
There is a major challenge in the context of hurling. I like to think of myself as having been a better hurler than a footballer. In my view, hurling is the greatest game in the world. Having attended recent Leinster championship matches, however, the only comment I can make is that the standard of play was poor. That is a matter of some regret. I do not have the answers. The GAA has 300 games officers in place, which is a welcome development, but something extra is needed in order to ensure that hurling is promoted more in counties which have a strong tradition in the game but in which the standard is currently weak. For example, the standard in the recent match between Dublin and Wexford was not great. Mr. Brennan will probably agree Kilkenny would beat the combined strength of Offaly, Laois, Dublin and Wexford if it played them in the Leinster final. What are his thoughts on getting involved in new expanding areas?
Based on my experience as a county councillor, the GAA never had to grovel to local authorities. The organisation traditionally provided its own pitches and, by and large, it still does, although this is a challenge for the future. The GAA deserves greater credit for providing pitches, clubhouses and modern facilities.
I fully supported opening Croke Park to other sports for two reasons. The FAI and IRFU faced a void because they did not have a pitch and it would have been ludicrous for us to have our soccer team travel to Liverpool or somewhere else to play so-called home matches. I congratulate the GAA. Having been lucky enough to acquire tickets for the international games last year and this year, as a GAA man, I felt a great sense of pride that the organisation had a stadium of which the world would be proud. When I attended the Ireland-England rugby game, I felt great pride when the national anthems were played. I congratulate all the officers and people who built the GAA and Croke Park. People said the Government should not have coughed up €50 million for the stadium but, in February 2007, when the first foreign game was played there, the justification for that was clearly shown. This should continue because it is a good showcase for us.
I welcome the delegation. As chairman of the trustees of the John Paul Carey trust fund, I express my sincere thanks and that of the trustees for the way that was handled. We had a meeting recently and it would be remiss of me if I did not convey the thanks and congratulations of the trustees to the three representatives.
Reference is made to alcohol advertising but I wonder what the GAA's approach is to the many clubs that have bars on their premises. I acknowledge the need to raise funds and so on but is the association satisfied with the way those facilities are being run? Second Stage of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill has been taken in the Dáil in the past two weeks and grave concern has been expressed about young people drinking. I hope, in the overall review of the GAA, this issue will be examined so that the association will be satisfied with the way clubhouses are run and young people will have a regard for drinking above the norm.
The Government must be thanked for capital funding but we need to move the goalposts slightly in this regard. The association has completed many buildings but the funding of additional facilities and personnel should change slightly. Everyone mentioned playing fields but they must be provided in large urban areas where grounds are not available for youngsters to play. The green areas provided by developers comprise the worst land available to satisfy planning guidelines but nothing is done to provide an alternative for youngsters in these communities. The GAA has a major part to play in overcoming anti-social behaviour while local authorities also have a major role in drafting development plans. The association should be one of the nominated bodies from local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government can seek submissions on development plans to ensure they play their part in the provision of recreational facilities. People should not be deprived of green areas but a play area should also be provided for youngsters where sports organisations can give demonstrations or provide coaching and so on, thereby creating interaction between themselves and young people and promoting the sports concerned. I do not need to keep my cards close to my chest in this regard as I prefer the GAA. However, there is a need for this and I hope that can be driven by the committee. Local authorities should seek submissions for the GAA when drafting their development plans.
I refer to the number of players who drop out of the association aged between 16 and 21, which is the major problem facing the it. Has this been investigated or have reports been conducted on that?
The cost of summer camps is such that it deprives people on low incomes of the opportunity to send their children and this is creating a division. That is wrong and a national association should not allow this to happen. Will this issue be examined by the GAA to ascertain how it can be overcome? Given the downturn in the economy and the increase in the cost of living, this issue will be exacerbated. I hope the GAA will rise to the challenge to ensure every youngster has an opportunity to attend a summer camp, which will reflect well on it.
I thank the delegation for attending. I live in a high growth area in north Kildare and I was delighted that Mr. Duffy said the association is examining the pressures these areas are under. New and established towns have trebled in size in recent years and, as Deputy Wall said, the need for land is significant. Many established clubs have found themselves landlocked and they do not have sufficient playing pitches to cater for demand, particularly given the increase in the number of women playing, which I welcome.
I was a primary school teacher before I entered the House and the integration of the new Irish at primary level has been successful. The new Irish comprised 40% of classes in my primary school in Celbridge and we had a successful integration policy. Mr. Joe McDonagh visited the school as the GAA's integration officer to hand out medals. As Deputy Wall pointed out, the problem is that as all children get older, they drop out of the games. However, the integration policy is working successfully at primary school level.
I welcome the appointment of an officer for children. Has the association plans for a training programme for children with disabilities? Deputy Connick sends his apologies and he also has an interest in access for people with disabilities in general. Mr. Brennan mentioned that he would like everyone to be able to access GAA pitches. A small adjustment is necessary to facilitate disabled access to the ard-comhairle section of Croke Park.
Cuirim fáilte roimh Mr. Duffy, Mr. Brennan agus Mr. McGill. Gabhaim buíochas leo. As a chairman of a GAA club and a former county board officer, I compliment the GAA. I pay tribute to the former director general of the association, Mr. Liam Mulvihill, for his great stewardship of the GAA during his time in office.
Deputy Upton spoke about discipline. I pay tribute to the uachtarán, Mr. Brennan, in that regard. In fairness, he has been tireless and courageous in upgrading the rulebook. He has reminded many people involved in the GAA that discipline must be the major vehicle as we all go forward. I pay tribute to him because he has been the subject of a great deal of criticism for expressing his opinions so forthrightly. He has led the way as the leader of the association. He deserves credit for that. There have been a number of high profile cases, unfortunately. It is unfair that certain players have been commented on in the media in recent weeks. The uachtarán has been absolutely fearless in what he has done. I pay tribute to him for that.
I do not mean to be political when I say that the amount of funding the GAA receives from central government, based on the figures Mr. Brennan gave us in his presentation this afternoon, is not good enough. If one compares the amount of money given to the association by the Irish Sports Council to the amount of money the association gets from its gate receipts and commercial activity, one will form the opinion that the State is letting the GAA down in its provision of funding.
I agree with Deputy Wall's comments about the sports capital programme. The programme in question is the biggest political lottery in this country. It is worse than the lotto. We are using it as a slush fund. The reality is that clubs have to pay 80% or 90% of the cost of their projects from the funds they raise themselves. We should not fool ourselves by believing that the sports capital programme is a panacea. That is not the case. I ask the officials from the GAA——
We need to ensure that genuine ventures get the benefit of the programme.
I know of clubs which have been allocated money under the sports capital programme but are unable to accept it because they have not been able to raise the remainder of the cost on their own.
It is not a "slush fund".
We need to fund sport and the GAA properly.
I notice that the issue of match attendances is not addressed in the GAA's strategic plan. I welcome the Munster council's initiative of offering two terrace tickets for the price of one for next Sunday's Munster football final. I hope it will be a better game than is being predicted. Does the GAA plan to introduce further attractive ticketing schemes at some stage this season or in any future championship season?
I agree with Deputy Kennedy that the quality of the championship games so far this season highlights the fact that the provincial championships have outlived their usefulness. I will be shot for saying that such matches are no longer as attractive as they were. Having been at a number of games, and watched others on television, I believe that the standard has been quite poor. While I accept that Limerick should have beaten Cork, it seems that the Munster football championship has been reduced to Cork versus Kerry. It does not matter who is playing Kilkenny in the Leinster hurling championship as they will win anyway. Are there any plans to examine such matters?
I would like to draw the attention of the ard-stiúrthóir to the section of the strategic plan relating to urban areas. While there has been an increase in population in the peripheral areas of metropolitan Cork, the core area of Cork city — places like Bishopstown, Ballyphehane and Togher — has experienced depopulation. Does the GAA have any plans in that regard? I take the point made by Deputies Áine Brady and Kennedy about growth areas, but there is depopulation in some urban areas. We are losing traditional teams in such areas.
I pay tribute to Mr. Pat Daly of the GAA for his work on the "Fun Do" pack. The school sector is the most important element of the association. I hope we will invest more money in educational resources which facilitate the promotion of our games.
We are always told that the club is the most important element of the association. The club and inter-county sectors have been in conflict in the last couple of years. I am in favour of inter-county games as a shop window. I will give an example of where the disconnect happens. This year's under-21 competition in the Cork city division took place over ten days. My club had to play two games in four days. We are now in the month of July. No game has been played by our divisional representatives since they won the divisional final. That is an example of a disconnect.
I hope we can move away from sponsorship by alcohol firms. Do the members of the committee appreciate how much it costs to run a GAA club? My club has a bar. If we did not have that facility, we would be in severe financial difficulty. We are paying water rates to Cork City Council. We are being penalised for providing a service. That has not been taken up.
I compliment the three wonderful GAA officials who are present at this meeting. The GAA is a great organisation to be involved with. The uachtarán deserves immense praise for his leadership.
I have to vacate the Chair to bring a deputation from the far end of Donegal to meet a Minister at 5.30 p.m. I would like to make one or two points before I ask the Vice Chairman to take the Chair.
I thank the deputation for presenting its case to the committee. I was particularly impressed with its preparation for the national strategic plan. The GAA has engaged in wide consultation in respect of issues like urbanisation, integration, communication, cultural planning, flexible structures and quality services. We are looking forward to the launch of the strategic plan after this year's all-Ireland finals.
I draw the attention of the GAA officials to the fact that I launched the GAA club manual, in conjunction with the president of the association, when I was Minister of State with responsibility for health promotion. Every one of the thousands of clubs in this country has an officer who is responsible for dealing with drugs and alcohol issues. On behalf of the Parliament, I congratulate on the GAA on having its manual sorted out. With representatives of the advertising industry, I was previously involved in dealing with issues like advertising, communications and sponsorship. I know the GAA has taken a responsible attitude to these matters. I know exactly where it stands. It has bought into this. I compliment it on that.
Ní masla ar bith é go bhfuil mé ag fágáil. Tá cruinniú fíor-tábhachtach agam le toscaireacht ó Dhún na nGall agus an tAire. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. Glacfaidh an Teachta Ó Cinnéide an Chathaoir anois.
Mr. Nickey Brennan
I thank the Chairman for his time and courtesy.
Deputy Michael Kennedy took the Chair.
Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh baill an toscaireacht. Tréaslaím leo de bharr na hoibre atá déanta acu. Níl aon amhras faoi ná go bhfuil stádas faoi leith bainte amach ag Cumann Lúthchleas Gael i stair na hÉireann. Tá an náisiún ar fad go mór faoi chomaoin ag an gcumann, ní hamháin mar gheall ar chursaí spóirt ach mar gheall ar chursaí chultúrtha agus shóisialta freisin. Tá súil agam go leanfaidh an CLG ar aghaidh leis an obair sin agus go mbeidh an Rialtas flaithiúil leis i gcónaí. Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh an Rialtas go breá fial.
I am privileged to be present at any meeting that involves a dialogue with Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. I am always conscious of the place the GAA enjoys in Irish history. When the association was founded in the 1880s, the morale of the Irish people was at a particularly low ebb. Those who established the GAA set about raising those spirits. One could almost say that the Celtic tiger, which became a reality many decades later, resulted from what happened at that time. The GAA was not behind the door when our country was seeking independence.
The organisation played a major role in the establishment of the State. It also played a major role in the North in building bridges between communities. One of the significant contributions it made to Irish life was during the Civil War, because on the playing pitch it turned people opposed to each other into comrades. That contribution is sometimes overlooked. Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is much more than a sports body and was to the fore in promoting Irish-made goods at a time when the economy needed that. It also played a definite role in the case of the Irish language and culture, and still does, as manifested in Scór and other activities of the organisation.
The social aspect of the organisation is particularly important. I was glad to see President Mary McAleese bring the GAA into the equation when discussing the isolation some people feel in rural Ireland today. There is no doubt that there is a sense of isolation among some individuals. Some people say that the new licensing laws impacted significantly on elderly people who used go to have a drink in the pub but can no longer do that. They now find themselves on their own, often in a depressive situation. The President made the point that organisations like the GAA, which is so extensive and parish rooted, could take on board the new aim of finding ways and means to help these people, just as it has accepted the challenges that have arisen in each era. The challenge of dealing with isolation is a major challenge and I hope the strength, infrastructure and vision of the GAA will be used to lead in this area. I am sure others will follow, but the GAA is the best organisation to lead on this.
I am aware of the challenges the GAA faces in places like Britain, America and Australia because these countries no longer have the same influx of Irish immigrants as formerly. By their nature, games require people of a certain age group. I remember back in the 1970s going to Cleveland and hearing people there bemoaning the fact that, because of the new quota imposed on Ireland regarding the number who could go to America, they were suffering a dearth of players.
I am glad to note that the GAA has succeeded in getting into schools and colleges in Britain. That is a step in the right direction because we are now dealing with second and third generation people. The situation is similar with Comhaltas CeoltóiríÉireann in Britain and America. We must ensure that as the first generation pass on, we find a way of influencing and connecting with the next generations. Getting into schools and colleges is a good step to take. I know the GAA also has an important programme operating in America currently.
I am glad to hear the GAA emphasise the amateur status of the organisation. While we all support and express our appreciation of players and see them as role models and iconic figures, there are also people who stand at the gates, look after the jerseys, carry the hurleys and do all the other work and act as officers in the units and so on. That is all work of an amateur nature. It is important the amateur status is maintained because it is the strength of any organisation, and certainly the strength of the GAA.
The Vice Chairman made the point earlier about hurling being such a fantastic game, which it is. It is unique and people who see a game when they come to Ireland are mesmerised by it and wonder why it is not the game predominantly seen on satellite television. The reason is it is not internationalised to that extent. The organisation has made the point that part of its new impetus and thrust will be to ensure that people understand that the GAA is not just for Irish people, but for others also. That is the way it should be. Others should celebrate our sporting and cultural heritage with us. We must try to give an international dimension to hurling, even if it takes over a decade. The game would appeal to large audiences. Some people feel one has to grow up with the game, but an international dimension is part of what the future holds.
I wish Cumann Lúthchleas Gael well. I have always felt it never gets the full praise and acknowledgement it deserves for the many roles it plays in Irish life. Any finance given to the organisation is money well spent. The organisation provides value for money because its work is underpinned by significant voluntary effort. I hope the organisation continues to receive the capital and revenue it requires to fulfil the aims it has stated today and that it will continue to achieve those aims.
I too welcome the delegation. Although I come at the end when almost everything has been said, I have something to say that none of the others here can say, namely, that the president of the GAA comes from my constituency, a constituency with the best hurlers in the country.
Deputy White is from Carlow.
I am a Deputy for Carlow-Kilkenny and got 50% of my vote in each county, which I appreciate. I congratulate the GAA on opening up Croke Park as this has been fantastic for the country. People who have played rugby or soccer there have been mesmerised by the stadium, just as I was. I had the good fortune to play for my country in two sports, but I never played in a stadium like Croke Park. The sensation of walking out into that fantastic stadium must be something any player will never forget. I played my sports on old-fashioned hockey pitches and squash courts because we did not have such good facilities in those days. However, I had the honour of playing for my country, which is something I will never forget. Sport is a tremendous asset for young people, people in the prime of life like ourselves and older people who can watch it on television and wish they could take part in the glory days when we have such excellent stadia and facilities.
An issue that has been increasingly cropping up in my constituency clinics is that parents are concerned about the increasing anti-social behaviour and violence in the sports area, not just at big games and matches, but also, as I have seen myself, at some local clubs. We must stamp this out and ensure that good umpiring or refereeing and good standards of play permeate the clubs, from my local club, Mount Leinster Rangers, to clubs throughout the country so that we have the highest standards of sportsmanship. Often, it does not matter if one loses a game. What is important is how one plays and takes part in the game. I feel strongly about this.
I am in the graveyard slot here and do not want to keep people too long, but I must mention the issue of drinks sponsorship. This must be addressed. We have a problem with regard to the prevalence of and over-indulgence in drink and must look for alternative sponsors. I acknowledge the great support given by the current sponsors.
We must hold on to the amateur status of GAA sport. I never got a bob for playing any of the games I enjoyed so much. We should treasure the nature of sport here. I would like to thank all the volunteers in every constituency in the country who make the sandwiches, get the kids to the games and support them at summer camps. As somebody who has bought many tickets to support GAA fund-raising, I am surprised I am not a millionaire.
I have the graveyard slot, which is probably appropriate, as I come from the constituency where it all began, Tipperary North. On that account, I welcome the representatives from the GAA here. Contrary to Deputy White, I expect we will find out in September which county has the best hurlers. The way Tipperary is progressing with Liam Sheedy, I have a feeling the best hurlers will be found to be in Tipperary. I welcome the delegation and it is a pleasure to have them all here. I wish Mr. Duffy the best in his role. The gentleman who went before him was fantastic so he has big shoes to fill but I am confident he will be able to do it.
Like other members, I am steeped in the GAA. I come from a little village called Portroe where the GAA is the centre of the village and, by and large, it runs the village. There is nothing unusual about this situation and it is such a small village. We all know that rural society is changing. There have been changes in social services and in shops and post offices and, dare I say, even in people's attendance at mass. The one binding and consistent factor has been the GAA. It makes a larger contribution to society than just games and, in the case of rural areas, it helps to organise society. This is the reason I would like the GAA to make a more proactive contribution in the area of local development and planning, as referred to by previous speakers. I refer to the question of sharing facilities, where this is possible, necessary and feasible, as it would be an excellent development. The GAA should state publicly that it acknowledges the importance of its role in society and that it will be more active in this area if that is the case. I would encourage it to do so. The country, rural areas in particular, needs this and it would be a very welcome development.
Like previous speakers, I am not in favour of professionalism but I also have another bombshell to land. I am probably the only Member of the Oireachtas who is a member of the Gaelic Players Association, not because I am a player but because I am an associate member. I have been involved in the GPA at various levels for a number of years. We must make progress on the issue of player welfare. I have seen too many players who have been badly affected through injury or who have suffered later in life as a result of injury and have not been able to look after themselves. We need to have some form of insurance and pension scheme to help players. It is necessary to have a benevolent fund to help players who have made a contribution by giving hours of enjoyment to people. This fund should be arranged in conjunction with the GPA.
I believe the GAA and the GPA should work together and be in the same tent, so to speak. Antagonism on the part of either side is not helpful as, ultimately, everyone is in favour of player welfare. While the mechanics of this scheme need to be negotiated, we must deal with the reality of the situation. The players have acted and gone in a certain direction. I hope the grants will be paid and that from now on we will see an incremental increase in the money — which is only a side issue — and progress on the issue of player welfare. The issue of player expenses is one area but we must also deal with the issue of looking after people when they have retired and the area of the general welfare of players. These are priority issues for the GPA.
I am a volunteer worker for the GAA, as are most of my family, and this is the way it has to be. However, there is an issue regarding the price of tickets for big games which are sometimes too expensive. Charging professional prices means people who are paying deserve a certain standard of service. This is generally the case but not always. I refer to the great day when we ended 85 years of not beating Cork on their own patch. The fact there were 400 to 500 people out on the pitch is crazy in this day and age. Sometimes this is just a level of organisation.
In fairness to the GAA, it is the level of organisation. It goes back to the point about people coming in late who do not make room.
I am getting to that point.
Let us not blame the volunteers in Cork for that. The Senator does not know the full story. I will defend the volunteers.
I ask the Senators to keep to the point, please. There will be another day for that argument between Cork and Tipperary.
I am not complaining about the volunteers but rather praising them. I have no issue with volunteers. In situations such as that, crowd management is an issue and the programme for dealing with it needs to be strictly adhered to. It could develop into a dangerous situation. We have had scares on a few occasions. I am not criticising the volunteers as they are doing a fine job. The problem is that sometimes the forward planning needs to be more professional.
I ask the delegation to say how hurling can be promoted in weaker counties. The GPA took an initiative by matching weaker and stronger counties. I will not dwell too much on the alcohol promotion except to say that I agree with comments that the GPA should not be sponsored by the drinks industry in any way, shape or form. I agree completely with Deputy Wall——
A Dáil vote is expected soon. I ask the Senator to be brief.
I have two final points to make. I refer to the concern about player burnout and ask the delegation for their views, especially given the discussions about the under-21 championship. I agree with Senator Buttimer, and I will probably be in trouble for saying this, that there is an issue about provincial championships. Is it known how many clubs have defibrillators?
We are under time constraints because of the vote in the Dáil.
Mr. Nickey Brennan
With regard to the GPA funding scheme, a national committee has been set up comprising the GAA and the GPA. We do not envisage any issues arising there. The issue of sponsorship by drinks companies was raised by a number of speakers. We will take account of the views of the members of the committee. I refer to our training programme about drugs and alcohol in which the association has invested considerably in excess of €100,000. We have the assistance of Mr. Brendan Murphy who has been seconded from the Health Service Executive. This important programme has involved the training of 750 people in clubs who will educate people on potential drug and alcohol abuse. This programme is working very well. We will be happy to arrange a visit to Croke Park for the members of the committee.
I note Deputy Brady referred to the use of facilities. Our facilities are used for crèches and local meetings of one kind or another. Mr. Duffy has referred to the issue of local authorities and we are working with them. Deputy Brady referred to Croke Park and the local residents. It is important to inform the committee that the GAA paid €1 million for a centre close to Croke Park for the residents of the area. We also installed alarms in the homes of elderly people and we are continuing to work with our neighbours. I guarantee the committee there is probably no stadium in the world which is more attentive to its local residents than Croke Park.
Deputy O'Mahony referred to the AFL. We certainly want to stay as an amateur organisation. We met Ricky Nixon and much more will happen on that front. We are very aware of the issues raised by Deputy O'Mahony. It is better to talk to these people and therefore we are working through a process and will see something evolving in October when we are in Australia.
Deputy Upton referred to the recent ESRI report. We would be disappointed that the report failed to refer sufficiently to the social capital value of the GAA and what it is doing. There are other issues to do with the report. We will make a formal submission to the Irish Sports Council and we will be happy to give the members of this committee a copy of that submission. Overall, we were disappointed with some of the points made in the report and the fact there was an imbalance in a number of areas.
The Deputy also raised the issue of pitches being sold. We have advised every unit that this must be carefully considered. Anyone selling a pitch must refer to a central committee in Croke Park for permission. They may not sell a pitch on their own initiative. There will be situations where selling a pitch might be relevant and others where it might not be. I take the point made by the Deputy.
The question of discipline was referred to by some speakers. I thank Senator Buttimer for his comments. We are taking the matter very seriously. I believe members can see what is happening. We are not making any apologies for it and we would like to think the message is getting down through the rest of the organisation.
Deputy Kennedy, who is now in the Chair, spoke about getting the GAA into new areas, which we recognise. We are working with people in Dublin, particularly in the Deputy's area. We are working with local authorities. We are doing considerable work in that area.
Deputy Wall referred to the John Paul Carey fund. Members will all know of a former player, now back playing again, who got a bad eye injury, Paddy McConigley in Donegal. He was the recipient of €100,000 through the GAA insurance scheme for the loss of part of his eye. Another player whose name I cannot recall is today the recipient of a similar amount. It is important to note that through our own schemes we have ways of helping our players. Senator Kelly recently talked about the issue of a benevolent fund. We already have a benevolent fund and people are benefiting from it. We have three former presidents who are the trustees of that fund. It might help if I made a written submission to the committee.
Mr. Brennan should write to the clerk to the committee who can pass the information to members.
Mr. Nickey Brennan
We would prefer to do that rather than rush it now because we would not do justice to the good comments that were made. We will happily do that within the next week or so.
I thank Mr. Brennan, Mr. Duffy and Mr. McGill for coming in. They gave an excellent presentation and have acquitted themselves well. There is universal approval of what the GAA is doing.
The joint committee adjourned at 5.50 p.m. sine die.