Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The Irish Sports Council could play a role in these discussions as it is independent and its members have a wealth of experience. The council could be of considerable assistance. I pay tribute to inter-county players. They take a great deal of time off for training and they make a fantastic commitment. Playing inter-county nowadays is not like 20 years ago because it demands an enormous time commitment on the part of players and their families. It is important that such effort is recognised by everybody, given the sheer work they put into inter-county games and the commitment they make. We should also salute the GAA on the magnificent commitment the organisation shows in every parish in the State. I thank its officials for that. I would like to bring this dispute to an early conclusion.

See this speech in context