Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will not rub it in. We have made a major contribution to the GAA. Over the weekend I listened to a debate on this. Like Deputy Coffey, we all come from very small GAA clubs which are struggling to raise funds and are finding it very difficult. People on the ground are asking what is in it for them and they may not see the bigger picture. Over the weekend I heard the expectation Deputy Coffey expressed. People asked what members would receive at local level. There is an expectation that money will trickle down to the local clubs from this deal. I have a very open mind on this because I have seen what happens in Australia. People raise issues with me about it and they feel the GAA might be on the slippery slope. The witnesses said they would monitor it over the next three years. If they find there are unintended consequences, what process will they put in place for people to be able to say they do not agree with this? What consultation did the GAA do with its members before it concluded this deal?