Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegation for coming in and I congratulate them and the team on their great success, which was not achieved without great sacrifice. Being an Olympian is an honour bestowed on very few, no matter what the result. I am delighted to hear of a hockey team using a GAA pitch. It is not something that is provided for in the rules of the association. Kenmare had a hockey team for a while, which used a synthetic grass pitch, which was okay because it is only a training pitch so that is within the rules of the association.

We have bendable rules in the GAA at times in Kerry. We actually had London Irish playing on the pitch at one stage in 2001. The whole committee almost got hung, drawn and quartered for that particular outing.

I wanted to ask a question on pensions. This is relevant for rowing too and I note Sanita Puspure, who is one of our Olympians as well, was before the committee previously. She pointed out that her pension contribution, like that of many others, will not be at its maximum level. Her pension is not being assisted by the State. This is a really technical point. Is there anything Hockey Ireland would like members to say on its behalf to the Minister on that point when he is before the committee next week? While no one on the deputation is near pension age, it is something that affects many minority sports people and others playing sports, including rugby and soccer. It affects them because they are unable to contribute. Nothing is being put in on their behalf by the State. That is something we should address.

Another point relates to passports. This is a bugbear of mine. We had this with Cricket Ireland as well. I was trying to get clarification on this for Hockey Ireland. There are approximately 64 all-Ireland sports teams and associations. My view is that no one should be required to have a particular passport when playing in Ireland. It is a requirement in cricket. It is not a requirement of Cricket Ireland but of the European Cricket Council. A player must have a passport of the country for whom he is playing. Obviously, given our unique circumstances, I do not believe that should be a requirement in Ireland. Again, that may be an argument this committee could make on behalf of hockey players. Identity is a major issue and we do not want it to be an issue for someone playing for the team.

The Minister is coming before the committee next week. Thankfully, it is not because of the hockey players or their association. Is there something Hockey Ireland would like us to say to the Minister? He made an announcement of €1 million. That was somewhat overstating the case. What share of that has Hockey Ireland seen? What share does the association require? Having done quite a public relations job for himself on that occasion, the Minister deserves to have to deliver on his fine words and promise. Is the cheque still in the post? What cheque should we be asking him for next week?