Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I thank the Leader. Will she inquire from the Government about the latest state of play with regard to the funding of the GAA's project to fully complete the development of Croke Park? I understand that the total sum of money involved for this development will be in the region of €240 million. When one considers that the Government has already given €70 million to the project and that the GAA is seeking a further €40 million, the total taxpayer's allocation will come to 40% of the estimated overall cost. Would it be possible for the Minister to obtain a commitment from the Government that, before additional funding is forwarded to the GAA for the purpose of completing Croke Park, two guarantees will be sought from the association, namely, that it will agree to provide the Croke Park facilities for the 2008 European Championships and, more importantly, that it will agree to open up what is a magnificent stadium to soccer, rugby and other sports?

It is ridiculous that we have a wonderful national stadium in Croke Park which cannot be used for any other purposes, particularly as taxpayers have contributed 40% of the total cost of the redevelopment project. In light of the downturn in the public finances and the need to extend sporting opportunities, we must obtain the guarantees to which I refer from the GAA before additional public money is committed to the organisation. I ask the Leader to take up this matter with the Government.