Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to the joint submission by the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association regarding welfare grants for players; if he will meet both the GAA and the GPA to clarify the Government's position on the matter as stated in May 2007 that this remains a matter for the GAA itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19251/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The joint GAA/GPA proposal submitted to my Department in April in relation to player welfare issues for inter-county players did not take account of my Department's position which had been clearly set out on a number of occasions. The GAA has been requested to submit a proposal which would be in line with that position. Responsibility for player welfare issues rests with the GAA in the same manner as similar player welfare issues in other sports must be dealt with by the responsible National Governing Body of Sport.

I am prepared to consider any proposal from the GAA that would be satisfactory to both the GAA and the GPA and in line with Government policy. I have recently received a request from Cumann Luthchleas Gael for a meeting to discuss this matter and I will be responding in due course. My Department responded to the GAA on 9 May noting the GAA's position but stating that the position remains as outlined above. My Department remains available to meet with both organisations to assist in developing a proposal that would be satisfactory to both the GAA and the GPA.