Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for attending and for their presentation. I take this opportunity to congratulate them on the evolution of Gaelic games into worldwide sports. We are all more conscious than ever of the fact that we live in a global community. It is appropriate, therefore, that the GAA has responded in the way that it has by spreading its wings in international terms. There is more to be done in that regard. The availability of coverage of GAA matches virtually worldwide is, as our guests noted, a hugely important development. People like to feel that they can touch base with home regardless of where they find themselves and modern technology allows them to do so.

I also wish to congratulate the GAA - and the other sporting organisations - in promoting the national image. People throughout the country travel all over the place to watch GAA, soccer and rugby matches. This is because we have a great interest in sport. In that context, I should welcome what is fast becoming our next national game, namely, cricket, and the fact that we are lending players to neighbouring countries in order that they might lead their teams. What I want to do here is emphasise the huge importance of using sport as a means of expanding our culture worldwide. I completely agree with what Mr. O'Neill said in respect of promoting business and industry through the medium of sport, which is also very important. A huge amount of work has been done in promoting our national image abroad in recent years and it has been of huge benefit to both the Irish psyche and the country's economy. I fully support what Deputy Smith had to say with regard to the retention of the long wave radio service to the UK. I can see the relevant radio mast from my back door and I am aware that it is doing no harm whatsoever. Long may the service it facilitates continue.