Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I could take the Leader's comment in many ways.

Gaelic football and camogie serve to bring women from all over the country together for the sport, craic agus ceoil. They have played a significant part in my life and the lives of many people like me. On behalf of the diaspora, I thank Mr. Moran and the GAA for the good they have done for people's physical and mental health all over the world. My two sons play football and we are still very involved in the football club in Béal an Mhuirthead. I congratulate the club on winning the junior championship after so many years.

I thank the people who have submitted questions and issues they wish us to raise here today and that are very important. The ban on sponsorship by gambling companies is most welcome, especially in light of the work of current and former players who have highlighted their battles with gambling addiction. I thank them for doing that. Many players and members have also used their profile to speak openly about their mental health and to encourage fellow members of the GAA to use the supports that are available.

I wish to raise the issue of increased ticket prices. Prices for this year's national league games in divisions one and two have increased by 33%. The increase of €5 for old age pensioners is particularly disappointing as it matches the increase given to pensioners in the most recent budget. The GAA press releases announcing the increases stated that it represented the first major review of the championship ticket prices since 2011. However, many members and supporters felt that this was misleading. This does not mean that the ticket prices have not increased since 2011. Tickets are now 30% more expensive than they were at the height of the Celtic tiger. While unemployment is decreasing, the cost of living has steadily increased on all fronts. Attending GAA matches is a vital outlet for families and one of the most effective forms of entertainment. Was there any dissent at the meeting of the central council that decided on the ticket price increases? I take on board what Senator O'Mahony said about this but it is very important that the GAA communicates on the distribution of its finances. Otherwise, there will be a vacuum and people will not understand why they are being forced to pay such increases. Why was it felt that an increase was needed? Was any financial justification offered at the meeting for this increase?

The increase in the price of a ticket to an All-Ireland final means that a ticket will cost €90 this year. For people from a county such as Mayo, who must deal with travel and accommodation costs on top of the ticket price, this will mean that a day out in Dublin for a family will simply become too expensive, which is a pity. There is a worry that the GAA is focusing too many resources and too much funding on the eastern seaboard, particularly Dublin. Between 2010 and 2014, in terms of central games development money per registered player, Tyrone got €21, Mayo got €22, Kerry got €19 and Dublin got €274.40. Are there any plans to review current funding models in light of the relative success of the other counties?

Aim 1.2 of the official guide states: "The Association is a National Organisation which has as its basic aim the strengthening of the National Identity in a 32 County Ireland through the preservation and promotion of Gaelic Games and pastimes." Where in this stated aim does the selling off of the visual rights for these games to be put behind a pay wall sit? There are many GAA supporters in the Six Counties who cannot access the free-to-air coverage.

What is the GAA doing to engage with the growing conversation around Irish unity?

I must ask Mr. Horan about disability, in particular, autism, because I have had parents contact me about this. Where a family with a son or daughter with autism are members of the GAA and season ticket holders, they rely on the good will of stewards. Will the GAA consider introducing a disability card as part of a season ticket and perhaps extending that to carers? The GAA should also bear in mind the problem of guide dog users trying to access grounds through turnstiles. Disability is not confined to wheelchair users. I have many other questions and regret that I do not have time to ask them.