Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach for giving me a few moments to speak. I will speak briefly about those who play our Gaelic games. Yesterday, I hosted a group from the Gaelic Players Association, GPA, here in Leinster House. The money GPA members get trickles down to their pockets. The male players get €1,490, on average, while the female players are getting a take-home grant of €945. They explained that 37% of the money going to female members goes into the organisation to cover all sorts of administration, right down to the county physios and whatnot. Female players want parity. That was put at the top of the priority list by the Minister of State and his predecessor, Deputy Chambers. I want to see this issue addressed because we need parity. Female GPA members are players too and are very proud to wear their county jerseys.

I heard yesterday that there is now something called "player poverty". On county WhatsApp groups, players are saying they will not be back for next season because they cannot afford it and they need to get a job or move out of the county. This grant is essential. GAA is not a professional sport. The GAA also needs to play a role. It is making serious money. Everyone at GAA grounds, from those selling ice creams and programmes to the managers, is getting money, except the players. I am not suggesting Gaelic games should be professional, but the players should be bringing home some money in their pockets.

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