Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim míle maith ag an gCathaoirleach. Tá fáilte roimh an uachtarán agus léiríonn a fhreastal anseo linn inniu an méid atá bainte amach aige go pearsanta, an ról atá ag Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, cé chomh lárnach is atá an cumann sin anseo agus an grá atá ag formhór mhuintir na hÉireann dó.

I was delighted to hear the president mention the connections with Galicia. When I finally got to the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela this year, after 11 days trudging from the middle of France on the Camino, I shared the road for a few hours with a Spanish man who knew all about hurling and football and told me about the interest in the sports among young people in his country. I felt a surge of pride as I thought to myself that the Spanish might have given us the Camino but we gave them the camán. It was a wonderful thing.

I am also delighted to discover that Mr. McCarthy is related to the last Governor-General of Ireland, Domhnall Ua Buachalla. As the president and most people here will know, the Governor-General was hard of hearing. Mr. McCarthy probably also knows that it was when King Edward VIII renounced the throne of Britain and the dominions that de Valera and his Government took the opportunity to abolish the post of Governor-General. When de Valera met Mr. McCarthy's ancestor, he said to him, "You are abolished". Being hard of hearing, Mr. Ua Buachalla said: "I did not hear you. What did you say?" When de Valera repeated, "You are abolished", Mr. Ua Buachalla replied, "So are you, Dev". I am sure he would be proud of his relative who is in the Chamber today.

Mr. McCarthy is among friends but I have some serious points to offer for his consideration. We love the GAA. It is part of who we are. One of the things I admire most about the GAA is its pragmatism and its ability to evolve and change, as it has done over the years. We remember the rules, the ban on foreign games and all of that. We were all proud on the day Ireland beat England in rugby at Croke Park. It was a major day in our social history. Sometimes things change in order to stay the same. As I said, the GAA has shown great pragmatism, but it is a pragmatism rooted in principle. The efforts the organisation is making in the area of inclusivity are very much to be admired. I agree with everything the president has said today in that regard.

I knew and admired Dr. Mick Loftus and was honoured to have his support. I was grateful for his acquaintance for a number of reasons. He sorted me out with an all-Ireland ticket on at least one occasion. I also admired the way he stood up for what he believed in. As a coroner, he saw the impact of alcohol. His conviction extended to the point that he stayed away from all-Ireland hurling finals because of his concern about their sponsorship by a drinks company. He set an example for virtuous leadership that should never be forgotten either in the GAA or outside it.

My last point is a serious one and I make it sensitively. I do not know the precise relationship the GAA has with the LGFA and the Camogie Association. I know the three bodies are separate from each other and, a bit like the Land League and the Ladies Land League, there have been tensions. Charles Stewart Parnell tried to close down the Ladies Land League and his sister never forgave him for it. Many parents are concerned that their daughters might be put in harm's way because of the decision by the LGFA to allow people who are biological men over the age of 12 to compete in its games. This is a very serious matter because when people play on pitches, the law says volenti non fit injuria, which means one is deemed to consent to the risks one runs. People worry about being called transphobic if they object. Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, the IRFU and others have laid out clear rules on this issue. In the LGFA's policy document, we are told there is a risk committee and the word "risk" is mentioned 21 times. However, nowhere is it mentioned what that risk might be. In fact, the risk is of severe physical injury to women. I urge Mr. McCarthy in his role as president to use his persuasive powers and the GAA's pragmatism to say "Yes" to inclusion but "Yes" also to common sense and to the protection of girls and women of all ages. I hope that decision will soon be reversed.