Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The impact of the pandemic on finances is quite pronounced. When representatives of the IRFU were before the Covid committee, they said 80% of their organisation's revenue is generated by the senior men's team. It is now down €30 million. The FAI, which is already in a difficult position, is down €14 million, and League of Ireland clubs fear for their future. Just today, it was reported that Leinster Rugby is €18 million down. It needs spectators and it needs to get them back safely. It needs funding for alterations. Even though these organisations are experts in managing large numbers, their staff and volunteers may need extra training. Fans are returning in some other countries, as the Minister of State probably knows.

It was interesting that the Minister of State mentioned the return to sport. The GAA told us 600,000 people returned to play Gaelic games and there was not a Covid case as a result. Thousands of children returned to Cúl Camps and there was not a case as a result.

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