Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an uachtarán agus an ard-stiúrthóir. The GAA is actively seeking UNESCO heritage status in respect of hurling, which would be great and which would underline the uniqueness of the sport. Will our guests outline the process involved in this regard and how such status will benefit both hurling and the GAA? Is there anything the committee could do to assist the process?

Our guests referred to outreach programmes in communities. In some instances, the areas in which clubs abroad are based are not necessarily home to Irish communities any longer. How do the outreach programmes operate in such circumstances? On the question of the relationship between clubs and Irish embassies abroad, will our guests provide examples of the close co-operation that exists between the two? I am aware that the GAA is involved - in the context of using its contacts, etc. - in the movement for immigration reform in the US. Will our guests comment further on that matter?

On the investment in club infrastructure, including pitches, abroad, has there been any negativity from Irish politicians or others in society here in that regard? Members should really declare their interest in respect of this matter because many of us are strong supporters of Gaelic games. I can understand why the deal with Sky in respect of broadcasting rights is popular among those abroad, and I can see the benefits involved, but I do not believe that many people in Ireland would agree with it.