Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

There is undoubtedly a lot of sympathy among my colleagues for this idea. It is not hypocrisy to express support or sympathy for what is prima facie a good idea and then, if reasons are given as to why the idea does not stand up in that particular form, accepting those reasons. All of us find ourselves in that position.

Without anticipating the Minister's reply, the measure he introduced in 2002 was a good idea. The application of that measure or an equivalent to GAA players may require further thought and this proposal is a stimulus to that. As Senator McDowell hinted, it is also a question of how particular sports organise themselves, so thinking may be needed on all sides.