Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister might have done so in his constituency. They issued press releases welcoming this great provision for GAA clubs. When I met the clubs in Meath, about seven of them were affected. Now, on reading this provision, it will be 70. The Minister will have to clarify this. The sports sector is watching this debate in an effort to find out what is happening, because the Minister's answers have not been clear. We do not wish to charge rates to voluntary sporting bodies around the country. That is not what Deputy Barry Cowen was seeking in this Bill. He sought to tighten the provision and have the rates only apply to the bar area of a club. Perhaps the Minister can provide a little more clarity on this. We will oppose it.