Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

We are embarking on a legislative process so the consultative process is not binding on anyone. It would be unfair to cast the aspersion that some of the sporting organisations came to this legislation late. Given that there is a mandatory review in five years, what is wrong with inserting the amendments concerning the advancement of sport on the basis that we are broadening the definition to include amateur sporting organisations and the smaller groups to which Senator Norris referred? I have a fundamental concern for these groups. I am not speaking for the umbrella organisations such as the FAI, the IRFU or the GAA because the reports from Croke Park Teoranta last week made great reading. I am concerned about amateur sporting organisations which are amateur in name only but professional in their output and contribution to society.

The Minister of State must accept there is a chasm between what the Government, in the general sense, provides and what these organisations take on. If one were to wait for the Government to provide funding or facilities for sporting organisations to fill this chasm, it would never be filled and we would have social disintegration. I say that as someone involved in one of my local sporting organisations. Rather than divide the House on a good Bill, why can we not provide for this now and review it after five years?