Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to share time with Deputy Devlin.

I also thank the witnesses. I have learned a lot as many of my questions have been answered, particularly concerning social distancing, protocols, the roadmap and working with NPHET. I welcome the fact that the three organisations have worked so well together. I compliment every sporting organisation on the work that they have done during the pandemic, which has a hard time for many people. The funding amounts to €70 million and there are different sections, which is welcome. The greatest fear is what will happen in a few months. Will areas like mine, County Carlow, experience a lockdown or restrictions similar to counties Laois, Offaly and Kildare recently? We do not know what will happen in Dublin. Funding is important but I wonder what will happen in the long term. As I drove here today I thought this was the first summer in years that I have not attended a field day or events or a clubhouse. Normally, clubs are fundraising all the time and they host the afters of christenings, communions and funerals. Rural community clubhouses, and there are many in County Carlow but I will not mention them in case I offend someone by not mentioning one, are part of our lives and culture so much so that we have been affected by the restrictions. It is crucial, working with NPHET, that we return to normal as much as possible and, therefore, I seek assurance that funding will be made available to all of the local clubhouses. Like other politicians, I have always fundraised and I am well aware of how much work is done by volunteers in communities. Today, we must compliment every volunteer. It is true that one does not truly appreciate these community events until they are taken away and one realises how great a role they play protecting mental health and providing a lifeline to so many people in our communities.

The witnesses have answered many of my questions. With regard to GAA clubhouses and restrictions in the long term, will these events continue to be held when we return to a so-called normal? I thank again all of the organisations for co-operating. It is great for the country to see everyone working together to ensure that we are on the right road to making things right for everybody.