Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I also wish Deputy Upton well in her new post, playing centre forward for the Labour Party in this important brief.

I met the Gaelic Players Association, GPA, and the GAA on 11 and 17 October respectively at which the issue of player grants was discussed. These meetings were positive and useful in identifying the challenges which must be overcome in this issue.

As I have previously indicated, responsibility for player welfare issues rests with the GAA in the same manner as similar player welfare issues in other sports must be dealt with by the responsible national governing body of sport in each case. I have agreed to remain in contact with both the GPA and the GAA and I hope this issue can be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.

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