Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister of State on bringing forward this Bill which I welcome. I welcome the merger of two entities in so far as it allows for a single point of contact for those who want information and access to grant aid, etc. As a trade unionist, however, I am always concerned that there might be rationalisation associated with it, resulting in some job losses. I would like to see some detail in that regard and do not make that statement to undermine what the Minister of State is trying to do. I am just concerned about job retention.

I know of the Minister of State’s commitment to sport. I thank him for meeting at my request an organisation in a sport that is not a recognised, for taking time to bring its members to his office to explain to them how to register under the sports system. Not many people in the Minister of State’s position would take the time to do the same. That is probably what drives him in introducing the Bill.

The Minister of State will be delighted to know that I grew up as the son of a Mayo woman, listening to stories ringing in my ears about the endeavours of the great Paddy Mockler, until, of course, I witnessed the success of the greatest football team Ireland has ever seen, the Galway team which won three titles in row. In my youth all of the people involved were volunteers, people who were prepared to give of their time after work in the evening, teachers in particular. Without my colleagues in the teaching profession, particularly in primary and secondary schools, we would have no sport in the country. The work and effort they have put in has never been recognised, even in the cursed Croke Park agreement made during the economic emergency.

I acknowledge the great sportsmen and women to whom I listened when I was in short pants, including the great Christy O’Connor Snr. If I had thrown a stone, I would have broken a window in his house. He lived across from us in Salthill. I am sure Ronnie Delaney inspired people such as Sonia O’Sullivan and the great Eamonn Coghlan. Every time I meet the Senator I am in awe of his great feats on the track. I am proud to know him and have had the opportunity to meet him.