Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to echo the sentiments expressed this morning, which some Members might have heard, by John Horan, the president of the GAA. I have a background in the GAA and a number of Members have a good knowledge about clubs and county grounds. In my case, I have seen games in Cusack Park in Mullingar, Westmeath, attended by up to 15,000 people. The GAA has been more than responsible during this Covid crisis and to say that we think it could not manage 500 people in that scenario is regrettable. I presume with the Covid measures we must have one brush sweeps all, but there are certain other scenarios. In the case of the Phoenix Park we have seen many photographs of crowds gathering publicly on different occasions and at weekends and enjoying themselves. In a number of the scenarios they had alcohol and barbecues in outdoor areas. This scenario would be very secure and the GAA would certainly play its part. I have no doubt that it would look at all safety measures possible to ensure it is safe for the patrons. Most of these grounds are on more than seven acres and it is hard to believe that games could not go ahead in county grounds. It would give a little chink of light to people who have endured all the Covid measures so far. As I said, I echo the sentiments of the president of the GAA, John Horan.