Charlie McCreevy (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

The Senator referred to both Abbotstown and Hill 16. The Government made a commitment in the context of the proposed national stadium at Abbotstown to give moneys to the GAA over a period of time. I honoured that over various years until it was no longer possible to proceed with the Abbotstown proposal. I, therefore, do not owe the GAA any money and I told the association that directly at face to face meetings a considerable time ago. There is no money outstanding to the GAA. The agreement was made in the context of the construction of a national stadium at Abbotstown and the GAA was to do certain things in that regard. The agreement is no longer in vogue and, therefore, I do not owe the GAA, on behalf of the taxpayer, any money. I made that clear to the GAA in face to face meetings with the association's previous president and his officials a long time ago.

With regard to the redevelopment of Hill 16, an application for funding would be made to the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism and not the Minister for Finance. I will check whether an application in this regard has been made but no moneys have been dedicated to it.