Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade
The GAA's Work Internationally and with the Diaspora: Engagement with the Gaelic Athletic Association
2:00 am
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I advise members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to the constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member partaking via MS Teams that prior to making their contributions to the meeting they confirm that they on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.
Members and witnesses are reminded of long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.
The item before us today is engagement to discuss the work of the Gaelic Athletic Association internationally and with the diaspora. I welcome our witnesses, Mr. Tomás Ó Riain, director general of the GAA; Mr. Charles Harrison, GAA international manager; and Mr. Shane Flanagan, director of coaching and games development with the GAA. The format of the meeting is we will hear the GAA's opening statement - it is accompanied by slides on this occasion - followed by a question and answer session with the members. I ask members to be concise in their questions and to allow everyone the opportunity to participate. For the benefit of the witnesses, the way this works is that every member gets seven minutes, which includes the member's question and the witness's answer. There are a few areas where you can observe the clock. I will be blowing the whistle. I have my red cards and yellow cards if I need them, as we move along.
I call the first speaker, Mr. Ryan. Will he set it up for the public who are watching why the GAA is coming before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade at all in the first place?
Mr. Tom Ryan:
Thar ceann Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl don Chathaoirleach agus do na baill den chomhchoiste as ucht an chuiridh seo labhairt leo inniu. I thank the committee for the invitation to address members today. I welcome the opportunity to outline the work of the Gaelic Athletic Association internationally and the role we play in supporting Ireland’s global diaspora and advancing Ireland’s presence abroad.
The GAA today is a truly global organisation. What began as a community-based sporting movement on this island is now active in over 100 countries worldwide, with more than 500 clubs operating outside of Ireland. In major centres such as North America, Britain and Australasia, and emerging regions across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America, Gaelic games are being played, organised and celebrated by Irish communities and increasingly by international-born participants.
On the field, our international activity is extensive and continues to grow. Each region delivers its own competitions and championships, from county board structures in New York and North America, to pan-European championships, the Asian Games, the Middle East championships and the Australasia competitions. These culminate in global events such as the World GAA Games, which bring together teams from across the world to Ireland in a celebration of sport, culture and identity. They are scheduled to next take place in Waterford in 2026. These games are not just a sporting event. They are a powerful expression of Ireland’s global community, with participants representing dozens of countries and showcasing the reach of Gaelic games.
However, the true impact of the GAA internationally extends far beyond the field of play. At its core, the GAA is a community organisation. Our clubs abroad act as vital social and cultural hubs for Irish people living overseas. They provide a sense of belonging, identity and connection, often for people who may be far from home. Whether it is a newly arrived emigrant, a second-generation Irish person, or somebody simply seeking community, GAA clubs offer support networks, friendships and a strong link back to Irish culture. Importantly, our international growth is increasingly driven by non-Irish participants. In many regions, particularly in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, a significant proportion of our players are international-born. These people are not only playing our games but are also becoming ambassadors for Irish culture. Through Gaelic games, they engage with Ireland in a meaningful and a lasting way, strengthening cultural ties and broadening Ireland’s global reach.
This cultural expression is also formally recognised at an international level. Hurling and camogie have been recognised by UNESCO as part of Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage, reflecting their deep historical and societal significance. Building on this, the Irish Government, on behalf of the GAA, submitted an application to UNESCO on Friday, 20 March for the recognition of Gaelic football and Ladies Gaelic Football. This represents a significant step in acknowledging Gaelic games not just as sports, but as living expressions of Irish culture. We are seeing this cultural reach clearly in newer regions such as South America and Africa, where clubs are developing rapidly. Our clubs regularly support diplomatic missions by engaging in cultural events, national day celebrations and community outreach. In many cases, the GAA is one of the most visible and active expressions of Ireland on the ground. This work is supported in no small part by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through programmes such as the global games development fund and the emigrant support programme. These supports are critical in enabling us to sustain and grow our international activities. On behalf of the association, it is important to acknowledge and thank the Department for its continued partnership and support.
Looking forward, we see the GAA as an integral delivery partner across a number of key government strategies. First, in the area of sports diplomacy, the GAA is already actively contributing to Ireland’s international engagement. Our global network, our events and our community presence provide a ready-made platform for Ireland to connect with people, institutions and governments worldwide. Second, the GAA is deeply embedded within the diaspora strategy. We are on the ground in communities across the world engaging directly with Irish citizens and with people of Irish heritage. We provide infrastructure, organisation and reach that can help deliver on the objectives of that strategy in a practical and meaningful way. Third, as discussions evolve around a potential cultural strategy, there is a clear opportunity for our association to play a central role. Gaelic games are a unique expression of Irish culture. When played abroad, they act as a living, breathing representation of Ireland, one that people can actively participate in.
We also have an opportunity to think more broadly about how the GAA can support Ireland’s wider international objectives, including trade and economic engagement. Just as trade missions are well established as a means of promoting Ireland abroad, the GAA can offer a complementary platform, one built on relationships, community and cultural connection. Through our networks and events, there is potential to further align with and support these efforts.
In closing, the GAA’s international work is about much more than sport. It is about people, community, culture and connection. It is about supporting our diaspora, engaging new communities and representing Ireland on a global stage. We are proud of the role we play and are committed to continuing to work in partnership with Government and stakeholders to maximise the impact of Gaelic games worldwide.
Tá ról fíorthábhachtach ag Cumann Lúthchleas Gael i measc mhuintir na hÉireann thar lear. Leanfaidh muid ar aghaidh ag freastal orthu siúd a ghlacann páirt inár gcluichí agus inár ngníomhaíochtaí chomh maith agus is féidir linn. Gabhaim buíochas leis na baill arís. Má tá ceisteanna acu, déanfaimid iarracht iad a fhreagairt. I look forward to a valuable discussion and to hearing the committee's comments, thoughts, questions and insights. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Cathaoirleach and Senator Higgins for letting me go first. I have an appointment so I am grateful to get that slot. I thank Mr. Ryan for his opening statement and the witnesses for joining us here today. We are the committee on foreign affairs and trade. I was interested when Mr. Ryan spoke about the opportunities. He said, there is also "an opportunity to think more broadly about how the GAA can support Ireland’s wider international objectives, including trade and economic engagement". Trade is vital to an economy like ours particularly in the current geopolitical turmoil and tariffs, etc. There is clearly a drive to diversify trade. With the footprint the GAA has, strategically, how far along has that been thought through? Are there plans in place or how might that look even at an outline level at this stage?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
We have significant events throughout the world that bring Irish people to certain units. For example, the Asian Gaelic Games happen annually and the US GAA finals happen annually. In the Asian Gaelic Games, 800 to 900 people participated in Bangkok in November last year. They will be in Shanghai this year. They are four-day events; a celebration of Irish culture. Our core business there is Gaelic games but on the side people meet up and there is our dance, music and language. In Asia we also have a business forum that allows Irish businesses to meet Irish consulates alongside our events. We would like to broaden the horizon. From talking to the Department of foreign affairs, especially Karl Gardner and his team, they would like us to expand that. In US GAA, 150 teams participate in the games. As members can see from the highlights reel in the presentation, that is very small - there are multiples of that. There are big hitters. We would like to see an opportunity for Irish businesses and a diplomatic presence at those events, which we already have, but to have a more strategic view on that. That way, hopefully we could see the GAA being used to grow that trade relationship. As Mr. Ryan mentioned we have the world games, which happen every three years. We expect 114 teams from all across the globe from Zambia, South America, Europe and everywhere else coming to Ireland. Some 75% of those participants are non-Irish. The soft power approach is very much in play. Our research tells us that at the world games in 2023 in Derry, it was people's first experience of Ireland and the island of Ireland. They do not just come for the event; they make it a two-week or three-week event.
Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)
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I fully agree with Mr. Harrison. The reach of the diaspora through the GAA is potentially endless and the connections on the ground are invaluable. He did not say it but there is scope for a more formal tie-in with the likes of the IDA and EI. The GAA is obviously about sport; it is not about business and trade necessarily. Given that it is there anyway promoting Irish culture, extending into that could be invaluable for Irish trade.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
There was the recent international sports diplomacy launch in which the GAA is intrinsically involved. I was on a call last week with the Department of sport, the sports diplomacy group, the Irish abroad unit and Embassy of France to try to get us sports recognition in France. It is a Team Ireland approach. That is what we are looking for.
Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)
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That is fantastic. Will it continue loosely like that or will there be a request for formal investment, for example, or to formalise KPIs around that?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
There has been a request from the international sports diplomacy group. It is actively involved in targeting countries in which we have high participation. The Australian Sports Commission, for example, has recognised Gaelic games. As recently as last month, Sport England, Sport Wales and Sportscotland recognised us. There possibly will be an ask to be able to drive the business forum alongside our Gaelic games events but that has not been discussed yet.
Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)
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I wish the GAA all the best with that initiative. I hope the witnesses will come back here some day and tell us all about its success.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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There is a bit of Deputy Brennan's time left. Will one of the witnesses summarise the sports diplomacy initiative for people watching who may not be fully aware of it?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
The sports diplomacy initiative, where the GAA is involved, is the team trying to get Gaelic games recognised across the globe, which would give us more access to facilities. It is not necessarily funding but it is access to facilities which we are really struggling with. It is also to showcase Gaelic games across the globe as mentioned earlier not just from a games perspective but from a diplomatic perspective as well where we can showcase our national sports - hurling, football, handball and rounders - to people who may not have seen them before and use that as a soft approach to discuss wider issues.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I call Senator Higgins.
Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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Looking at the international sports diplomacy strategy, particularly goal 3 around international sporting partnerships and co-operation in line with Ireland's values and interests, how much is that naming of sport as being part of our diplomatic picture undermined by an unwillingness to face up to key diplomatic international issues in sports? I am thinking specifically of the FAI. There was a general assembly resolution from FAI members who called for a complaint to be made by Ireland at UEFA level. That is within the existing international structures for sport around specific violations, not just of international law but UEFA's own rules, by Israel. This is of course in relation to the planned match between Israel and Ireland. That is one example. Separately, the resolution looked for complaints to be made by the FAI. Those are the existing international structures. Will the witnesses comment on the importance of visible ethical delivery?
On the other side, we have the GAA Allianz case and the question of the sponsorship of Allianz. Looking at the report, it suggests it is not Allianz but its sister or cousin companies and there is a call on Allianz to encourage those companies to abide by international law. It sounds astoundingly weak simply saying companies acknowledged to be related to Allianz are not compliant with international law and that is somehow okay but we have to be very concerned about legal contracts.
That seems to be what trumped it. I am concerned about all the sports but especially the GAA because it has a particular and different role. It has got the exception culturelle. There is a reason it is free to view. It has a particular link to Irish culture and is separate from a purely commercial operation, which it is not meant to be. It is given special status and given, for example, those special privileges. However, it seems quite a commercial decision is taking precedence with the Allianz sponsorship. What does that do to perhaps undermine our credibility in giving real leadership in the international sporting world at this very crucial time in global diplomacy?
Mr. Tom Ryan:
If the Senator does not mind, I will not comment too much on questions regarding other sports and other organisations. I defer entirely to those bodies to address her specific concerns about that. With regard to the GAA, she is right that our values are important to us, as is our identity. Those are some of the themes we will touch on as we talk about, perhaps, the value of the role we can play overseas in Irish communities and the diaspora. It is a core part of identifying who we are.
It is important too to remember that part of who we are is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation, but it is not possible to insulate ourselves completely from the outside world, be that culturally or commercially. She is right we do not exist to make a profit in any given year but we have to fund our operations. Part of that means a trade-off. There would be, say, 700 or 800 games over the course of a year out of which perhaps 20 or 30 will generate some kind of a return. What we try to do is make sure we generate a fair and reasonable return from those things in order to keep the bits that do not really have any commercial imperative at all but are equally or more important-----
Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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I am not looking for the overall picture. I am looking for the specifics on Allianz.
Mr. Tom Ryan:
I know. Part of that is sponsorship and part of that is commercial partnerships. The question the Senator raises is something we gave quite a degree of thought to over the course of the last 12 months and beyond. To be fair about it, we value Allianz as a sponsor and we value it as a partner because it has been aligned with us for a long time and played a key role in furthering all our ambitions, Gaelic games-wise. We had a detached look at that particular arrangement. We asked a group of people we trust and who we charge with that specific responsibility, namely our ethics and integrity committee, to look at what either continuing or discontinuing that sponsorship might mean. Their balanced conclusion was it made sense for the association to maintain its links with Allianz for a couple of reasons.
First of all, we do not see ourselves as particularly the leaders in the geopolitical sphere. We will take our lead from legislators and the likes of this committee. Our continued partnership with Allianz, quite apart from being important to us commercially to pay our way, is not in contravention of any directives emanating from the Houses, the EU or any trade laws. To my knowledge, we are not in contravention and we do not look to set that benchmark. We look to comply, purely for the reason that all the business we will talk to the committee about today is to do with hurling and football. We see ourselves as real leaders in that. In other arenas, I do not mind admitting we are followers. In geopolitics, we will follow the lead and comply to the letter but as of now Allianz is not in contravention and we are not in contravention of any guidelines that require us to step away from that partnership. I feel the burden. That is a difficult responsibility for us to assume and we will shy away from taking big geopolitical positions. We are not a political organisation. It is a difficult thing to do but we try our best to steer our way around that.
Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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Okay, but we are here discussing diplomacy and leadership so I do not think that is very adequate. It is one thing that sport has a role in trade but sport should not be giving an example of trade-offs in terms of that piece.
I have a last, positive question. Leaving aside whether we are talking about this internationally, it is regrettable the GAA team from the Palestinian side were not facilitated to visit. The positive thing relates to the climate side. With respect, if we are talking about the big role of sport it needs to mean something. One thing we have seen is Bohemians-----
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Okay, Senator.
Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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This is just a last one on climate, Chair, if I could be really brief.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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No. We have rules and they apply to everybody.
Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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Okay. I will come in on the second round.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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That is fine. You asked a question and I will afford you some of my time if there was a question in there you wanted answered, because the time is up. Is there a question you wanted to come back on?
Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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It was on the Palestinian GAA clubs.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
We have been fully supportive of that tour the Senator mentioned. We had organised different activities and events with our clubs around the country. We are still engaged with that club. It is not fully affiliated with us yet, but it is following the process like any of the other 500-plus clubs around the world and we are continually engaging with it. There are things we have to go through about safeguarding, structures and governance but we are continuing to engage with the club weekly.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Okay, thanks for that. Deputy Bennett is next.
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Deputy Ó Laoghaire is going to take my slot and I will take his.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Apologies, I was notified of that.
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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I appreciate Deputy Bennett and the Chair acquiescing to that. I must return to an event in Cork. I apologise but I will be leaving the meeting just after my contribution.
I would like to echo the previous points. Without wanting to reopen the discussion, if we are talking about sports diplomacy, reflecting Irish values and the GAA reflecting those values, then political considerations cannot be irrelevant. They have to be part of this. I appreciate time was taken to look at the arrangement with Allianz but clearly this is an issue that will return to the agenda. It is important it does. I agree this institution and this Legislature can do a lot better to ensure commercial arrangements are ethically managed, both in that region and in general. Perhaps the GAA would consider whether changes are required. It may need to examine how other sporting organisations have dealt with issues of ethical procurement and contracting as part of a general policy that is not specific to any company or geopolitical situation. More generally, it has to be acknowledged that in many respects the GAA is Ireland's Alliance Française or Instituto Cervantes. It is our primary cultural network around the world. It does extraordinary work and I acknowledge that.
I have a couple of questions. The witnesses might take them all together given time is limited. The GAA's longest standing presence abroad is in the United States, Britain and maybe to a lesser extent Australia and Canada. These are places where there is an older Irish population. Obviously sports clubs, by definition, are primarily dominated by the players and people of playing age. How does the GAA as a community organisation, when it is dealing with communities that may be a bit more dispersed than those in Ireland, ensure the connection is kept with older people in Irish communities in Britain and America?
I am also conscious isolation does not just happen among older people. It is a possibility for younger people in the Irish communities in newer destinations such as the Middle East and parts of western Australia. Does the GAA encourage clubs to participate in social programmes to ensure people who fall into hardship or experience things like addiction are supported? It was very interesting to hear about the growth among people of non-Irish descent; the witnesses may have a comment on that. My sense of the GAA abroad is that football predominates, which reflects Irish society to some extent.
Regarding equipment, there is a global shortage of ash that is impacting hurley makers here. Does that have an impact on the ability to sustain the game of hurling abroad? I ask the witnesses to answer those in as much as they can in three and a half minutes.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
I thank the Deputy.
We are very conscious of our older generation and older diaspora abroad. Members may have seen in our briefing document that we have a number of culture and heritage centres. For example, I recently visited Chicago Gaelic Park where there is a museum on the history of Gaelic games in Chicago. Those are our meeting spots. There are a number of them throughout the world, including Gaelic Park in Melbourne, Treasure Ireland in Sydney and Gaelic Park in New York. We all know of them.
As we said earlier, Gaelic games are our core business and everything permeates through that. We are very much a community-based organisation. When we meet up for our games, it tends to bring everybody to those events. Whether people are young or old or first- or second-generation Irish, we are very proud that our games are for everybody. For example, in July, we will have a continental youth championship, with 3,500 participants from all over the US, including New York, and Canada. Participants aged from seven to 17 years will attend, as will their parents and grandparents. It is a week away for them and a segment of their holiday getaway. There are many of these events throughout the world. Other examples include Gaelic4Mothers&Others and GAA for Dads and Lads. It is very much a competitive format here but world GAA is very much a celebration of being somewhere for a three- or four-day period. We are very proud of the Gaelic festivals that happen in those cultural hubs.
On the second question regarding the non-Irish in the US, 67% of our adult player population and 90% of our youth membership are American born. In Galicia, for example, 99% of our membership are Galicians. Obviously, there is a Celtic link there. In France, there are hotspots such as Brittany which have a connection to Ireland and where, for whatever reason, people love playing our games.
There are a couple of barriers to hurling, including the cost and equipment. Hurleys are made from ash. One of our newest territories, Uganda, is a hurling hub where local wood rather than ash is used to make hurleys. The GAA committees in Croke Park are looking at different materials. The Cathaoirleach is right that the majority play Gaelic football but there are hurling hotspots throughout the world.
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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I will raise an issue that may be outside the remit of this committee. I ask Mr. Harrison to correspond with me on what political assistance could be offered on the craft of hurley making. As well as its obvious importance to the sport, hurley making is an important craft that needs to be preserved. Modern technology has its place, whatever about hurleys made from bamboo. I am interested in hearing from the GAA about what, if anything, this committee or any committee can offer politically in that regard.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the witnesses and thank them for their time. I acknowledge the presence of a former Member of this House, Shane Cassells. His appointment will be a good one for the GAA in terms of continuing the good relationship between these Houses and the GAA.
I smiled when I heard that there is a hurling hub in Uganda. I come from Tipperary and my initial reaction to hearing that was to recall the famous Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh line about Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and the birthplaces of his parents not being hurling strongholds. I hope that in time the situation changes and this is said in a serious rather than a joking way.
The presentation states that 100 countries worldwide participate in either football or hurling and that non-Irish participation has increased. It refers to statistics on GAA participation, including that non-Irish players will account for between 67% and 75% of those who come to the world games in Waterford next year. Do any of the slides in the presentation display a percentage of non-Irish participation for each region and figures for growth over the last ten years? What is the reason for the increase? Is it due to certain hubs like Uganda or is it that volunteers on the ground are reaching out to schools and communities?
Diplomacy by Government agencies and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was mentioned earlier. I visited Taiwan recently. Part of the reason for our delegation's trip was to meet local GAA members in Taiwan. They told us they go into schools and encourage people to participate. Which regions are performing well in terms of increasing numbers? It does not have to be the maximum or the levels enjoyed in the US. Which regions are improving in terms of non-Irish participation?
Mr. Shane Flanagan:
The Senator mentioned the last ten years. In terms of local indigenous populations, the greatest growth has been in places like Galicia and Brittany especially, where there is a cultural connection with the Celts. Both in Brittany and Galicia, there has been indigenous localised growth. In the case of Brittany, which I know about because I was quite close to it during my time working for Leinster GAA, growth was precipitated by a number of PE teachers with a genuine interest in the game in schools in Brittany, around Rennes, Liffré and places like that. They saw it as being a game that offered children multiple skills because players use all their limbs. Those teachers reached out to us at the time and we in Leinster GAA trained them as coach developers. They then started to create something sustainable, which has meant that over the years they have trained up coaches and set up new clubs. There are now about 16 clubs in Brittany. The situation in Galicia is very similar.
Interestingly, Connacht GAA, which is partnered with Asia, has a student who will visit schools in places like Vietnam, China, Japan, etc., over the next 12 weeks to grow the game. It will be done in two-week blocks. A similar initiative was done 12 or 14 years ago in Galicia. A guy called Jerry Holmes from Eadestown, outside Naas, went to Galicia as a young student and ended up establishing himself there. Initially, he went out to coach in local schools. Gaelic sports there have grown because of that cultural connection. Members will see on the slide that in the last year or so the all-Ireland final was broadcast on local Spanish television. That gives a sense of how Gaelic sports have become embedded in Galicia.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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On the annual funding the Department of foreign affairs provides for the global games development fund and emigrant support programme, how much funding was given in 2025?
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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That is between the two of programmes. I welcome the fact that the Department has provided funds. Has the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport provided funding to the GAA?
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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Should it do so given that there are 100 clubs internationally? It should certainly do so while the GAA awaits sports recognition in other countries. I know countries like Australia and New Zealand have recognised Gaelic sports.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
I recognise that the Senator's time is limited. Further to the point made by Mr. Flanagan, the slide shows the self-sufficiency and sustainable element that we were struggling with. In the past, the GAA flew people out to coach and upskill officer training coaching. In the last three years, the association has invested in coach developers. Last year, we trained up six coach developers in Europe, 15 in Australia, 12 in Canada, ten in Asia and 15 in the US. These are people who are spread out all over the different continents. They can spread the word. They are coached and can fully train people in GAA and Gaelic games and they, in turn, can coach others.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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I mean investment in grounds. A lot of grounds would be rugby or soccer pitches. If World GAA can get sport recognition in different countries, those countries obviously have things like the sports capital grant that we have in Ireland, where once a sport has recognition, it can apply for funding. At the moment-----
Mr. Charles Harrison:
We have been very fortunate. In the last five years, we have got funding for two capital grant projects - one for Gaelic Park in New York and one for Broughton Park in south Manchester, which is nearing completion this year. They are not guaranteed annually. We are told by the Department of foreign affairs if there is funding available and we apply like every other association.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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There is a role for the Department of sport to possibly do something while sport recognition has not been achieved in quite a lot of the countries where there are teams. Obviously, the GAA invests a lot. I am saying that there is more the Government could do.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
I am in this role four years and in the last six months there has been a serious enhanced relationship between the GAA and the Department of foreign affairs. That sports diplomacy strategy that was launched recently is where I have seen a real "Team Ireland" approach and a support network around us as an association. Hopefully, that will expand in future years into additional funding but we are very happy trying to get help towards recognition in the different countries we are in.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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How long has recognition been in process? Every country is different, but I am asking in general.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
With Sport England, it has been in train for over ten years. We only got notice of it two weeks ago. Sport Australia recognised us two years ago. We are very far down the road in France and we are really getting help from the Department of sport, the Department of foreign affairs and the Embassy in Paris with that.
Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the witnesses and thank them for being here today. Some of the questions I was going to ask have been asked by some colleagues already. It is very good to hear that there are 500 clubs worldwide in 100 countries the GAA is reaching out to. I want to ask about youth and inclusion. What initiatives exist to promote Gaelic games among young people abroad? Are participation levels among non-Irish nationals increasing? What barriers exist to broader inclusion?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
Slide 5 of the presentation shows our player pathway. In Ireland, as members can see, right at the centre is the club. Everything we do is centred around the club. All of our initiatives are centred around that. The F1 stage is from 5 years of age and it brings us right up to the elite level. The reason the diagram is circular is because the stages are very transitory. A person can go in and out from talent back to club, elite level back to club, and it all centres around that. Our intention is very much about being able to provide meaningful game opportunities throughout the player pathway. We are very much on the road to that.
Thankfully, through the Department of foreign affairs and the emigrant support programme, we have 15 staff members across the world. They help our volunteers who, I must say, have a really difficult role in World GAA. It is unique in the GAA world. USGAA is 116 times the size of the island of Ireland. The chairperson and committee within USGAA can only meet them once a year, so there is no once-a-month meeting. To be able to have that governance and the procedures of the GAA is continuously difficult. However, we are very much trying to provide our different programmes. Cúl camps, for example, are happening all around the world. Not on the scale as they happen here, but they are very much popping up.
Through the diaspora, the clubs that are set up worldwide start from the top down. I was talking to one of our colleagues in the Middle East, who are obviously going through a very difficult time at present. They have a team to enter into the Féile competition, which is an under-15 competition, in Ireland next year. There is Dubai Éire Óg, which trains 250 children weekly in a dome in Dubai. That is very much alive and kicking. Our major challenge is to be able to connect our youth clubs with our adult clubs and ensure that the pathway that committee members see on slide 5 is very much connected and that we can provide meaningful games. As recently as this week, we have been trying to start a collegiate programme in New York, the wider US and Canada. We invested a lot of money in the F1, F2 and F3 stages. When youths go off to university, especially in the US, there may not be anything for them there, so we are trying to set up a programme where our members who are heading off to university in the US can play our games and then come back to play and stay with the GAA.
Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I want to acknowledge what was said about volunteers. They are the heart of every organisation, especially organisations like the GAA. If it was not for them, young people especially would not have the role they are able to play within the GAA. What Mr. Harrison said is very important.
My colleague asked about funding. Is funding adequate relative to World GAA's global ambitions? Is more funding needed to support that ongoing work?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
Very much so. We are concentrating on structures at the moment and ensuring our structures are correct. We are very well structured in our traditional hot spots like the US and Australasia. It is our new countries where it is sprouting up. For example, if we go to the map on slide 3 we can see our footprint from a World GAA perspective. Of course, growing our games requires continuous investment. In fairness to the GAA, it has continuously invested in the last decade into World GAA, but there is a need to be able to increase that.
In countries we are participating in, like the US, youth sport is a $40 billion industry. We obviously do not want to go anywhere near that. We are a community-based sport. We want to be able to provide a sport where parents and kids can play along and everybody can go together. That is where we see our niche. That is why it is in the sports diplomacy area where we can grow our cultural element and our heritage element.
Members may have seen the picture showing one of our clubs in Antarctica. We are all over the place. The figures on the slide show the numbers we had in 2023 and our targets in 2026. We are growing and possibly need more funding to be able to go through that. This slide shows investment over the years since 2019. There has been an investment of €9.5 million from the GAA and a €3.2 million investment from the Department of foreign affairs. We can see that the association is investing heavily and we are very grateful for the funding from the Department, but if we are to grow further, there is a possibility of us seeking more funding.
Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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What are the key challenges in securing facilities abroad for the sport?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
The challenges are different. Each unit is unique. In the Middle East, for example, green space is at a premium. It is €300 an hour to hire a green space facility. For our clubs providing Gaelic games for youth all along the player pathway that members just saw, it is costing them a significant amount of money. We are grateful to the Department of foreign affairs. Through the global games development fund, 90% of the funding to the Middle East is spent on hiring facilities. Access to facilities is a challenge because we are not recognised in countries. If we apply to a facility to be able to play and other sports that are recognised in that region come in later than us, they will push us out and we will not be able to get access to the facility.
That is why we are putting such importance on recognition. It is to be able to get access to facilities and all the things that come with that.
Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank Mr. Harrison. I wish him continued success with his work.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is my slot now. I want to go back to the Middle East because I found what was said interesting. When that club from Palestine wanted to come to Ireland and there was a big hue and cry, it seemed like the GAA was standing in its way. Things like safeguarding and protocols were mentioned. Were they not in place? Is that what was being said?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
To the best of my knowledge, they were not in place. We have strict safeguarding rules within the association. Obviously, a number of youths were coming over as part of this trip. If I remember correctly, it was a party of 46, along with a number of adults. We did not know who these adults were and we were not sure what governance procedures were put in place. From our perspective, the safeguarding procedures were not followed, to the best of our knowledge.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Going back to what was said about the US GAA operations in terms of numbers and things like that, I think all of us here probably have someone in the United States of America, a cousin, brother, sister or whomever. These people are spread throughout the usual Irish centres that we would associate with the United States of America and beyond. It is a turbulent environment politically, which is why I raise this topic. For us politicians, particularly on this committee, when the Taoiseach goes to the White House on St. Patrick’s Day, one of the background themes is always the Irish diaspora and particularly those who are on green cards or whose positions have not been regularised, to put it that way.
I imagine some of these people are part of the US GAA community. I am wondering what their experience is like. It is a vulnerable enough position to be in. We have heard of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, agency, and it focusing heavily on particular areas. I imagine that GAA sports events invite congregations of supporters and things like that. Has Mr. Harrison come across anything in this regard? Are there any sensitivities or vulnerable pieces in the US GAA jigsaw?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
Yes, in respect of a couple of major events. Some of our major clubs in the US are on display on the screen and where there are large gatherings of the Irish diaspora, we have noticed a slight decline in some of our big events such as the continental youth championship and some of the US GAA finals. Anecdotally, that is due to the political landscape. It is not just the Irish, but all migrant communities are feeling the impact of what is going on in the US but we are in constant contact with them. We have very much changed our strategic view on where we are going there. We are very much concentrating on our youth and getting into schools and hoping to see an increase in second- and third-generation Irish participation. There has, though, been a slight decline and a little bit of a murmur that there is a little bit of a fear factor among people. It is not just the undocumented Irish we are talking about here but all our migrant communities are feeling the pinch because of what is going on in the US. Obviously, we have seen recent activities in the US, even as close as this week. It is obviously affecting everybody.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Okay. Is there any evidence of these congregated sports event settings being targeted by ICE or anything like that?
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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My next question is on the consular piece. Again, as politicians, we hear about the unfortunate positions that a family or individuals might find themselves in when they are looking for consular assistance abroad. Someone might have passed away unexpectedly, for example, or on holiday, or a passport is lost or something like that. That is when consular assistance kicks in. GAA International, from my understanding, places a high premium on the networking the organisation provides. One of the positive fallouts from it is that kind of intense consular assistance is not often required because there is an existing GAA network or something there. If Mr. Harrison could speak to this aspect, it would be useful.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
From talking to our partners in the Department of foreign affairs, there is anecdotal evidence that where there is not a consulate, for example, but there is a GAA club, it acts as that kind of support network and can signpost people to where they need to go. What happens in a GAA club around the world is very much like what happens here at home. If there is a bereavement or if someone is struggling, maybe looking for work, all of those things that a GAA club provides help with here, the GAA club abroad will also very much kick in to help.
There is also evidence that where there is a GAA club in a location, there may be fewer contacts with the consulate due to the health and well-being aspects of being a part of the GAA club. This includes not just the health aspects of playing a physical activity but the well-being aspects of the biopsychosocial elements of being part of a GAA club also are very important. As a young person who went to university in London at a young age, I can speak to this situation. It is a lonely place when you go somewhere. It is not as much out of being forced to, it is more out of choice now, thank God, but it is still a lonely place. When you go to an area and there is a GAA club, you automatically get embroidered into a community that is there to support you. People are there to show you the location and simple things like where to do your shopping, and that kind of thing is very much a support. That is very evident throughout the world. The evidence that we see is that parents whose kids are going abroad are happy they are part of that community because if someone does not turn up to training, people will be asking where A or B is. It is very much that little safety net for people who are travelling abroad.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I call Deputy Bennett.
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The witnesses are very welcome. I was recently in New York and I visited Chicago Gaelic Park. I lived in New York years ago as well and every Sunday we used to go to Gaelic Park in New York. I was also recently at Rockland GAA club.
I want to discuss the finances. How financially stable are the clubs in America? Is money constantly being looked for? Are funds being raised? Two bodies were mentioned earlier, including the Department of foreign affairs here. Is the GAA internationally struggling financially or how is it going?
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Which fund is that?
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Is that just for the United States or is it all over?
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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It is everywhere.
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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How much money comes from that programme?
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Is it a total of €700,000 in total then?
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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That is the total amount available for GAA games right across the whole world.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
Yes, but if we go back to our presentation, we can see that the top two funding streams are co-funded from the Department of foreign affairs and the GAA. Capital grant funding is in there but that is denoted differently because it is not guaranteed annually. It depends on whether that fund is open. The other three sources are GAA-funded only funding streams.
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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How much is World GAA getting from the other funds? I think it is good for the GAA to be rolling it out across the world, and it is valuable for the Irish abroad and encourages our culture.
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Is the GAA funding divided equally between ladies’ and men's GAA?
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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That is good news. Is there anything in the funding streams that Mr. Harrison thinks could be improved?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
From a self-sufficiency and sustainability point of view, we are in talks with the Department of foreign affairs on how we can improve that. Education is definitely where we see the future. If there were an education stream, we would love to be able to facilitate what we did on a small scale last year with our coach developers. We would love to do that via officer training, safeguarding and all the different elements across the GAA. We would love to have additional funding to help us to get that across the line.
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Is there a Gaelic park in Los Angeles?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
There is not, but we have a club. It is interesting. When the LA fires happened, the club kicked into gear and its members started helping and donating their free time as volunteers. It was very much noticed by the Consulate and the local authorities. The GAA club there basically did what a club does at home. When there was a crisis, it helped people on the ground.
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Mr. Harrison spoke about sports diplomacy. He might outline again what that means for the GAA.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
We very much see it as opening a door for us to be able to grow our games from our perspective, to be able to get access to those grounds and to get recognition, as we previously said. From the perspective of the Department of foreign affairs, it sees us as the implementation on the ground. The 500-plus clubs and the 30,000-plus members we have on the ground can implement what is in that strategy. We very much see ourselves as being able to help to do that across the globe.
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Mr. Harrison referenced how the GAA could support Ireland's wider international objectives, including trade and economic engagement. Will he expand on that?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
As part of the World GAA games in Waterford, we have a World GAA Connects piece. There are a number of Irish companies based outside the island of Ireland, and we are very fortunate that they are sponsoring us. We are going to invite them into the room. We are also going to invite Irish companies that are trying to grow their global footprint into the room to be able to show them what is on slide 2. I am not sure if everybody in the room had been aware of the footprint of World GAA prior to that engagement. It is a challenge that we have internally within the association to be able to see the number of clubs we have internationally. What we see is that for those major events that are hosted worldwide, we have a business element to them, and a cultural element as well. As was said earlier, with UNESCO status for camogie and hurling, and now with what was lodged on 20 March for Gaelic football and the LGFA, it gives us international respect. People may not know what Gaelic games are, but if we have UNESCO status, it automatically opens that door. We would hope to get Irish businesses across the globe that are trying to grow their footprint, but also businesses that want to come to Ireland.
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Has the GAA been impacted by the fact that the Irish are not going to America in their droves any more because they cannot get visas?
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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It is shocking.
Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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They are not going to the United States any more because they cannot get the visas, but they are going to other countries. Does that have an impact on the GAA community?
Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I welcome our guests. They will pick up from the tone of the questioning that we all have great regard for what the GAA does for people. I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming my good friend and Senator emeritus, Shane Cassells, with whom I worked on the gambling legislation, specifically the gambling regulator and the whole anti-gambling apparatus. I worked closely with him and then Senator Wall on that for a few years. I assure the witnesses that his advocacy is excellent, although I am sure they realise that.
My first question is a contrarian question, if you like. At a time when we need all of our skilled people - our medical people and specifically our construction people - back home, could it be argued that what the GAA is doing internationally is a disincentive to coming home?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
What we are trying to do is provide an “out” for people who are away from home, and provide that connection and identity piece. They are not moving away from home to play GAA worldwide, that is for sure. We are trying to provide that solace and safe community base for people around the world. It is not just for Irish people, and we are starting to see a huge expansion. On the Senator's point, in our big events around the world, the HSE and particular universities have engaged with us to get that message out there to return. We are very much there for people who are moving away, and we are also there for bigger bodies to be able to engage with us to get the notification out there.
Mr. Shane Flanagan:
There is another point I would make on that. We find that a lot of Irish people emigrate who may not have played the game for any long period of time here, but they end up getting very much embedded in the games wherever they are living in Europe or America. That is creating a connection back to Ireland.
On another point, we talked earlier about Galicia in Spain, Brittany and places like that. That is where we see the game becoming sustainable across the world, including in places like Asia. That is very important to us. It is a key strategy of ours to grow the game with indigenous people. We know that fewer people will be emigrating, but we need to sustain our games, and that is why engaging with the indigenous population is so important.
Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I get that. I welcome the fact that the GAA is working with agencies to encourage migration back.
Could the return of the international rules series improve the viewership of the GAA internationally, given that it is such an attractive series?
Mr. Tom Ryan:
It could. We have very good relations with our colleagues in Australia, notwithstanding the fact that the international rules series has not been played for a few years. When Covid intervened, it created a practical difficulty. Since we had the last series, as the Senator will know, the shape of our playing season has changed somewhat. We now have the first half of the year dedicated to intercounty games and the latter part of the year dedicated to the club championship, so there is a practical challenge for us in terms of finding a place in what is already a crowded playing calendar.
We have a responsibility to make sure that our top players get a rest and have a viable off season. Traditionally, the international rules series has been played in September, October and November. If we were to resurrect the series and play at that time, it would present a practical challenge for us. It is a question of us trying to find some way for that to work.
To the Senator's broader point, there are three or four landmark things that are pivotal in the profile of Gaelic games, whether domestically or internationally. The international rules series is very much one of them. In the last two or three years, we have had more international viewership for the two senior all-Ireland finals than has ever been the case before, so there are other means of achieving that profile.
Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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Are declining player numbers and shifts in demographic profiles significant in the international GAA community? I know the organisation is generating interest among young people abroad, but it is a big issue at home, including in my constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. I attended a session with the executive of Cavan GAA recently on how we could augment and support the small clubs that did not have the critical mass to continue to survive. Is that an international issue as well?
Mr. Shane Flanagan:
It is not an issue internationally for us. The challenge internationally is geography. It is the distance between clubs and the challenge that poses, particularly for the growth of the youth game. If we take Spain, there is a concentration of clubs in Galicia, but then there is a club in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. There are huge distances between them, so that is a significant challenge for us.
I am glad that the Senator mentioned Cavan. In fairness to the Cavan County Board, it has engaged heavily with our national demographic committee. A club in west Cavan - its name escapes my mind - would probably have been the catalyst for some of the motions brought forward to our congress this year on us giving greater recognition to the status of clubs. We are trying to keep clubs alive and more viable even if they cannot play in maybe formal local championships. That has something that has emanated from the work in-----
Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I attended that meeting with other colleagues. That is great news.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
I am sorry for cutting across the Senator, but World GAA can help our demographics issue within the island of Ireland due to predominantly being a nine-a-side game. We are currently looking at modified games that might be able to help out clubs that might not be able to field 15 a side. Traditionally, World GAA has basically had a modified game. There are nine-a-side and 11-a-side games. They are not always 15-a-side games.
Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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I might stick with the international element first and then revert on another issue. It is a policy issue. The GAA has had the greener clubs initiative. If we are talking about sports diplomacy and sports leadership, Bohemians Football Club is presenting this week before the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, on Article 6 in terms of the role of sport and culture in driving climate action. I know that Munster Rugby has won awards relating to sustainability and that the GAA has the greener clubs initiative. Will the witnesses comment on taking that local and national greener clubs initiative and using it to contribute to the international discussion on climate action and make it internationally impactful? How can we use the initiative to segue into the international conversation that is happening within sport in relation to sustainability and, on a broader level, the use of sport to try to contribute to the culture change and the positive framing that is needed around the transition on climate?
The second issue related to women's GAA. My cousin Nollaig Cleary has multiple caps and I am very proud of the role she and others have played. We have seen a bit of transition in relation to women's sport getting more visibility and resources, which is quite overdue. Is that being mirrored internationally? What is the GAA seeing internationally in terms of women's access to resources?
Mr. Tom Ryan:
I have two slightly differing answers to that question. To be honest, the work on community, health, sustainable clubs and active clubs has predominantly been a domestic undertaking up to now for reasons of both reach, impact and logistics in terms of the facilities and so on that are available to clubs. I am very interested in the idea the Senator expressed. I think it could actually be. It is not something that we have given perhaps enough thought to up to now, but it is certainly something that we could, with the guidance of the committee, perhaps turn our attention to. If we are looking for better ways to serve and engage people overseas, which we are all the time, part of our challenge is to go beyond the playing side of things and the things the Senator mentioned could play a very big part in that, but it has not been a major focus up to now, to be frank.
Regarding participation and broader involvement across all genders, as Mr. Harrison mentioned a few minutes ago, World GAA can be a real beacon for us because it makes no distinction between the codes, games and organisations. They are played with equal enthusiasm, equal participation and, dare I say, equal skill by everybody. There are clear learnings that we can take from the international game and, I hope, apply with great success domestically.
Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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I have a final question on handball, the sometimes neglected sport. How is handball doing in the international piece? I have a soft spot for the old handball infrastructure around the country.
Mr. Shane Flanagan:
Handball is growing at the moment. It is thriving. It is quite interesting that there are variations of our game, particularly the one-wall game, played right throughout Europe. There is wall ball right throughout Europe. There is front ball in Spain and in the Brittany and Galicia regions of Spain and France. Interestingly, they all look up to the Irish game and they see that as the origin of the game. We have handball in Paris Gaels and we have handball growing in some of the clubs in Germany as well. It is probably our only truly international game that we have. We have a team that will go out to the US collegiate championships. We have teams going out to the world championships. Last year, we hosted both world championships in Ireland. Down in Limerick, we had the one-wall competition in UL and we had the 40 by 20 competition right across Leinster. They were two really big projects last year. We see handball, because of the various derivatives around the world, as an opportunity to connect with the indigenous populations who play the game through the GAA clubs and perhaps build that connection between local GAA clubs and form GAA clubs as well. The sport is universal in many areas. We have a huge opportunity with handball.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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Can we go back to slide 17 and what the GAA and Government spend annually? Last year's funding was €530,000 from the Department of foreign affairs. When Deputy Bennett asked, Mr. Harrison said that there was €400,000 for global games and €300,000 for emigrants support.
That comes to €700,000. In the context of the €530,000, will the witnesses explain the situation fully?
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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For 2025, there was €530,000 in funding from the Department, but, when Mr. Harrison was responding to Deputy Bennett, he said there was €400,000 for the global games development fund and €300,000 for the emigrant support programme.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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I am sorry. Will Mr. Harrison explain that again?
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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That is €330,000, so why were the figures €400,000 and €300,000 mentioned earlier?
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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The GAA is matching it.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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I have got you now. It is not €700,000. Mr. Harrison is just including-----
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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We had the Covid pandemic in 2021, so the annual funding was reduced. However, the funding from the Government did not decrease. What was that spent on? What was done with it? Was it held back for use the following year?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
It was not. It was brought back and then put out to the clubs again. Initially, it was allocated prior to the Covid pandemic. The projects that had been applied for could not happen due to the pandemic, but other things were funded. I can forward the Senator information on what it was spent on. Ann Gibney, my colleague and predecessor, worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs on reallocating that funding. I know it went back out. I am not sure in what realms it was spent.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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I assume it was just delayed. The commitment from the Department was there. It was just delayed until the pandemic was over.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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Is the GAA funding provided from the head office? Is it central funding?
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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How much is voluntarily raised globally every year? There are over 500 clubs in 100 countries. Do the witnesses know how much is raised through voluntary fundraising? Clubs obviously have to raise funds to keep going.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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Does the GAA keep an eye on how much clubs in Ireland raise?
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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The county boards keep an eye on it.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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Is that structure there internationally?
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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It is even more important that international clubs raise funds.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
Through the global games development fund application, there is rigorous governance around Department of foreign affairs and GAA money that is given out. We would not supply funding for something if the club was not providing a percentage of the money for the project. A club cannot come from a base of zero and expect to get money towards a project.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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I know there is matched funding and the GAA is spending double what the Department is spending, if not more. However, governance in respect of fundraising is obviously-----
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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So, all regions would have those figures.
Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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Would it be possible to provide them to the Department?
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Could we get figures from our end, if we look for-----
Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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Would greater access to the all-Ireland provincial club championship assist the international GAA? Could the GAA devise strategies for greater involvement?
Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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The focus is on the game within the area.
Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I see the logic of that.
Mr. Tom Ryan:
With the best will in the world, you might also see some disparity in terms of playing standards. Mr. Harrison mentioned specifically that, because of things like limitations around facilities and the size of playing pitches, the games are not always organised on a 15-a-side basis everywhere. The Senator will be aware that European club teams do play in the club championships. To be honest, I think the scope for expanding on that in the short term is probably limited.
Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I have a final question. Both Senator Ahearn and one of the Deputies covered finance and the total amount of money the GAA is getting from the Department. That has been well discussed. Is there any other assistance the Government could give to the GAA's work abroad? Outside of actual cash, could the Government assist by helping with networking through embassies or whatever?
Mr. Charles Harrison:
We have definitely seen more assistance from embassies in recent times. The enhanced relationship between the Department and the GAA that I mentioned earlier on is definitely seeing an increase in activity. There are definitely members of staff from the consulate at any of the major events we host. I again stress the point that recognition in the countries we are in is one of our main strategic goals. That is where we need assistance.
Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I am delighted. I will make a final remark. I am delighted to hear that. Through our work with the Council of Europe, my colleague Senator Ahearn and I have discovered that we have an extraordinary and wonderful network of diplomats internationally, each of whom has a team that could do a lot to assist. It is great news that it is happening.
Mr. Charles Harrison:
As recently as last month, we had 21 of the 26 EU ambassadors in Croke Park. We explained what World GAA is and what the GAA is. They were very receptive to us and very happy to help us grow the games in their respective countries. On Europe Day, 9 May, last year, we brought the European delegation of the Irish ambassadors who were here for the Global Irish Civic Forum into Croke Park. We struck up a relationship to see how we can work together and help each other meet our objectives. That is something strategic that the association and the Department of foreign affairs support.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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We are coming towards the final whistle. I will put a question to the ard stiúrthóir. If someone has been at home channel hopping for the last few minutes and has happened on Oireachtas TV - in which case, there is clearly not much else to watch - they will just have learned that taxpayers are giving the GAA money. Can the ard stiúrthóir summarise what justifies that and makes it represent value for money for the taxpayer?
Mr. Tom Ryan:
I can do so. The crucial part of my answer lies in the fact that the GAA is not just an organisation about playing games, and it is not just an organisation about the two senior all-Ireland championships. No more than is the case across the island of Ireland or internationally, the organisation is about communities, people, mutual support and identity. In the context of World GAA, that is all the more important because the GAA is born out of a sense of community and a sense of a collegiate approach. Everybody, including all of the viewers mentioned who have stumbled upon this particular exchange, has somebody in their family or broader contacts who has emigrated. Mr. Harrison mentioned that perhaps nowadays it is less out of necessity and more out of choice or ambition. Notwithstanding this, we all know somebody who has found themselves in the far reaches of the world and their first instinct is to think about how they will connect into their new neighbourhood and how they will get their new life up and running. The GAA can play a fundamental and important part of this.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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How?
Mr. Tom Ryan:
By making its resources available in terms of people, connections and support, opening doors and placing a literal or figurative arm around the shoulder of a new arrival. This happens in Ireland when people move from country to city or vice versa. They immediately find a new family and a new home in a GAA club. The GAA worldwide can do this. We are very grateful for the investment the taxpayer makes but it is not dependent on it. We shared the numbers with Senator Ahearn. We more than match it because we really believe it is an imperative. To be honest, this is not a play for funds. It happens irrespective of funds. Sometimes maybe with a little bit more investment or with a bit of targeted investment we can do the job better but we do the job anyway. It is something we take real pride in. I am sure those people who are looking in today and, hopefully, the people around the committee table, will be able to attest to this through experience in their own families. They know somebody who has benefited from their involvement in Gaelic games internationally, and we are proud of playing that role.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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We have one member still anxious to tog out. Senator O'Loughlin has just arrived and will be the final one of the members to contribute.
Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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My sincere apologies for missing most of the meeting. The Order of Business in the Seanad was quite lengthy, and Senator Ahearn missed it. By this I mean that I asked Senator Ahearn to facilitate me by swapping today for Thursday for a good horse racing reason. I am from Kildare and Punchestown on Thursday will be the noble call of the day. I am delighted to be here now.
I pay tribute to my former colleague Shane Cassells. The work he has been doing with the GAA over recent months has been very important. I had the opportunity to be at the opening of the new Moorefield pitch on Easter Saturday and the GAA president, Jarlath Burns, was there. We both extolled the virtues of what Mr. Cassells is doing with the GAA. I have to say what a wonderful GAA president Mr. Burns is. He is so warm and accessible. I know how proud the GAA is of him and rightly so.
My only comments to make are based on having lived abroad during brief periods and having seen the sense of pride when it came to GAA gatherings outside of the country. It is incredible. As has been rightly said, people who arrive in a place and do not know anybody have the opportunity to join a club and get a sense of connectivity, help and support. My brother lived in Shanghai for seven years. When I went to visit him one time, the only request he had was for hurleys. They were not for him; they were for somebody who worked in his company. They wanted hurleys for their children, and I was more than happy to oblige. I have also seen the GAA in Australia. What the GAA gives is far more than the sense of play on the field; it is connectivity and absolute community.
Of course, we can extol what the GAA does for a sense of the community around the country. I live in Kildare where, according to the census returns for 1926, Kildare has had by far the highest growth in population, at 326%, over the past 100 years. The next highest level is 270%, with the next two highest counties being Meath and Dublin. Many people who have come to live in Kildare are from further away. They work in Dublin but live in Kildare. The opportunity for them to join clubs has been phenomenal. It has not led to any all-Ireland success for us, unfortunately, but we will keep working on it. I thank the witnesses for the work they are doing. If there is any way we can help we are more than happy to do so.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Is there anything the witnesses want to say which they would leave here regretting not having had the opportunity to say? We are into extra time.
Mr. Tom Ryan:
I do not think so, other than to thank the committee for the opportunity to speak with it. We have learned lot from the exchanges. I hope this can be the start of a process for us to acknowledge the fantastic support we get from the Department of foreign affairs and to acknowledge all of the fantastic work done by the volunteers who keep World GAA going internationally. The story we are telling here today is not the story of the three of us; it is the story of all of these people, and we are very proud of it. I thank the committee for giving us the opportunity to share it.
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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For people following the record or who are watching, the reason the GAA is before the Oireachtas committee on foreign affairs and trade is in part because of diaspora funding. This is what makes it appropriate for the witnesses to come before this committee. I thank Mr. Ó Riain, director general of the GAA, Mr. Harrison, manager of GAA international, and Mr. Flanagan, director of coaching and games development. I also thank our former colleague, who is always welcome back here. I thank the clerk, the staff of the committee and our communications people who have allowed us to see the PowerPoint display and the slides. They were a very useful part of the meeting, and I hope we can keep them as part of the official record of proceedings. I found them particularly stimulating. I thank everybody who has played a role today.