Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor Barry, Dr. Smyth and Dr. Flannery for their strong views and presentation and thank them for coming before the committee. Last week we had delegations from the GAA, rugby and soccer organisations and they suggested that a ban would lead to a reduction in their ability to fund participation programmes for children in many communities throughout the country. As the witnesses are aware, all three organisations are embedded in communities where they do substantial work. They have made a strong statement that a ban would inhibit the activities for young people in our communities. Would any of the witnesses like to comment on that?