Mr. Kieran Mulvey:

I thank Deputy McEntee for her comments. I always approach GAA matters with a certain tiptoe attitude since the Chairman would be very familiar with the GAA. There is the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, LGFA, then there is the Camogie Association and the GAA, which seem to operate effectively within one organisation. I believe the GAA would like a merged organisation. From a funding point of view, we would like a merged GAA as we would prefer to fund a single body. That body would then decide what needs to be done. Senator Eamonn Coghlan would be aware of that as a policy and that the Sports Council prefers one fund for one body.

I understand that the LGFA fears it could potentially become absorbed in the merged organisation and lose its unique voice. In Helen O'Rourke, it has an excellent representative who bends my ear whenever she meets me about the importance of ladies' Gaelic football retaining its identity. We have discussed the one funding principle and the synergies with Paraic Duffy and with the president of the GAA and it will arise again in the next funding round. Sport Ireland will not force the position because it is a matter for discussion and a sensitive area. I am sure the LGFA would be of the view that it might not be to its advantage to be deprived of separate funding. We must listen to its view.

We must also address the formation of the Women's Gaelic Players Association, WGPA.

They will be seeking similar pro ratafunding arrangements as their colleagues in the GPA, whom we fund to the tune of almost €1 million a year. I assure the Deputy that it will be a live issue in the coming months. It is an issue that is not going to and should not go away. It must be addressed. This issue has also arisen for the IRFU with regard to the funding of the international women's rugby team for potential Olympic participation. It arises for the FAI and other sports as well. We have been trying to develop the Women in Sport programme in addition to the other funding. I need to tread very carefully in this area. If we are to achieve satisfaction for all groups, it will require some delicate footwork - if I can use that phrase - in light of the legitimate interests of both sides.