Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome Senator Norris back to the House.

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael begins its annual convention today. I congratulate and wish the new uachtarán tofa, the incoming president, Mr. Larry McCarthy, every success. He is the first overseas president of the GAA, although he is not from overseas. He is from my club in Bishopstown in Cork and on behalf of the club, I congratulate him. I hope Seanad Éireann will congratulate him on his elevation to the role as uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael and I wish him, Barbara, Conor and Shane every success in the three years ahead.

The GAA is the lifeblood of many communities. I ask for a debate with the Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Jack Chambers, on the role of sport and the role of an Cumann Lúthchleas Gael in our urban and rural communities, in particular around the restoration of elite status to inter-county players. The GAA player strives for excellence, individually and collectively as part of a team. We need to be realistic about the importance of sport and in particular Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, GAA, in many of our communities.

Senator Black referred to mental health. Young people are standing or sitting in rooms, looking at screens all day. It makes no sense that young people are unable to train in pods in their clubs, without a game being played. Mental health is linked to sport. Participation in sport, particularly outdoor sport, has benefits for mental health, physical health and well-being.

However, today is a very proud day for my club in Bishopstown and I wish Mr. Larry McCarthy every success.