John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

The stadium I discussed with the GAA authorities is Semple Stadium — I discussed it with the officials of the Munster Council when we met. I do not think anybody has an understanding of Irish culture unless he or she has stood on the terrace at Semple Stadium on the day of a Munster hurling final. Therefore, the Deputy can take it that I empathise and sympathise with the cause he espouses.

The GAA appears to have come to the conclusion, which I welcome, that Semple Stadium should be the second stadium of the GAA in the country. In those circumstances, it will receive the recognition which the conferring on it of such a status would require.

With regard to St. Conleth's Park in Kildare, in which Deputy Wall will be particularly interested, in 1999 a grant of €253,948 was sanctioned for that ground. This was followed in 2005 with a grant of €200,000. I do not know whether that sum was drawn down — I accept it probably was not. However, the grant is still in existence. I look forward to the day when it is drawn down.

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