Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair. I put on record that I am a former member of the ard chomhairle in Croke Park; I was there for five years. I first will put a quick question to Mr. Parsons on the GPA and Professor McAleese mentioned it earlier. In discussions it has had previously about the pot of money which is there and is supported by the Government to support intercounty players both male and female - and rightly so - it has said that should all associations, including camogie, etc., come in, that whatever that pot is would be shared equally. Can he make a comment on that? Also, what challenges did the association face in coming together recently? Is there anything that Mr. Parsons could highlight that was an issue that has been ironed out but that could help with ultimate full integration?

With regard to the club, six nights a week of training is not acceptable. We highlighted intercounty players training four nights a week or more. Ms Groarke mentioned she was training six nights a week and playing two games. As we do not want to see any of our youth burned out as they come into older teams, it is something that needs to be looked at nationally, where players are training too often.

Mr. Spain pointed out that his club has field facilities allocated specifically for camogie and ladies' GAA which is very positive. Are there any challenges within their club which Ms Groarke or Mr. Spain think need to be improved such as, for example, facilities? Has it proper facilities for all-female participation via dressing rooms, shower areas or whatever it may be? The club witnesses might make a comment on that. I seek answers to both of those questions first before I ask any more questions.