John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome an t-uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Mr. John Horan, on this historic occasion. Last week, we had the centenary of the First Dáil in the Mansion House and it is entirely fitting that the leader of the largest community organisation in the country, formed 135 years ago, should address the House.

As Mr. Horan pointed out, the GAA has its roots and tentacles in every parish and county in the Thirty-two Counties and has united people in sport and culture in good times and war and peace. One of the advantages that the GAA has over other sporting organisations is a sense of place nailed on for one's parish or club. Over the years, and particularly in recent years since the economic crash in 2011, the GAA has been an outstanding network abroad, promoting our games and culture. More importantly, it has helped young Irish men and women get employment and have a sense of community abroad under the umbrella of the GAA. I have seen at first hand on my travels abroad on many occasions that people have got jobs through their connections and so on. I welcome Mr. Horan's officials to the House also.

Last week, through Alan Milton I linked with a festival committee in Sarajevo, Bosnia, which included a GAA coaching day in its festivities.

Within 24 hours direct contact was made and support and resources were made available for the coaching day held in far away Sarajevo. I am sure that is happening in other international towns and cities on a continuous basis and it is greatly appreciated.

Any national organisation will experience controversies as there will always be a few. However, I compliment the GAA on the way in which it dealt with the Liam Miller issue and the game held in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, as well as other issues.

There is, of course, the pay-per-view issue to which other Members have referred. It is important that the GAA maintain its vital link with grassroots members who form the basis of its success. As such, I oppose any expansion of pay-per-view. The GAA has its roots among its supporters who should always be borne in mind.

Admission prices have been mentioned, but some of the debate in that regard is uninformed. As a strong organisation, the GAA must be conscious of the need to get bums on seats. The season ticket initiative of a number of years ago has been an outstanding success. Also, people may not be aware that under-16s are allowed into 99% of games for free. There is, therefore, a need for balance in the discussion. In that connection, I refer to provincial championship and qualifier games, in particular, at which there may not be a full attendance. During the years I have proposed to Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland that there be some link-up with tourists to Ireland during the summer period. Perhaps they might offer incentives to fill some of the seats at reduced prices. Everyone would win. It is like when we travel to Barcelona, for example, and wish to take in a game. There is an opportunity to be taken advantage of.

I wish Mr. Horan well in the remainder of his term. He is the first president of the organisation from Dublin since 1924 and did not take the usual route. He came from the schools and colleges which form an important part of the GAA. I was the schools' delegate to the provincial council in Connacht for 25 years, albeit I have not reached the esteemed heights as Mr. Horan. I concentrated a little on the sideline. I wish him well in all of the challenges and opportunities ahead. It is ironic that he is in the Chamber two days after Dublin experienced two defeats in the O'Byrne Cup final which Senator McFadden celebrated and against Monaghan on Sunday. However, having met Mr. John Costello outside, I do not think there is any crisis yet. While I have no doubt that the Dublin team will be around to seek immortality through the five in a row later in the year, it is nice to know that they are human.

I thank Mr. Horan who I am delighted to see here today.