Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There was a brief discussion on the betting tax. I support that concept and the distribution of additional income among all sports, which I have said bluntly in the Seanad. I hope the Minister for Finance looks at that. He alluded to having a tax fund for sport in his budget speech. The gambling industry has destroyed people's lives, in particular the lives of players and supporters. It should pay a damn sight more back to this country.

Deputy Griffin mentioned the issue of the shirt sponsor. I asked Mr. Hill this question when we met in Abbotstown in May. The commercial team was also there. We were aware of challenges regarding big-name companies and sponsorship. At that time, I mentioned that Dublin GAA would be searching for a sponsor. It has since secured one in Staycity apartments. That deal is worth circa €1.1 million per year. A sponsorship deal with the FAI would be in excess of that. Regarding the commodity of the Irish team and selling it, Mr. Hill alluded to the performance of the senior team and the issues in the last few months. At what level is the FAI commercial team prepared to enter into an agreement, given the short supply of major sponsors?