Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress he has made regarding the dispute between the GAA and GPA over funding; if he has facilitated meetings between the groups; if he will report on same; the solution he has proposed with regard to distributing the funding; his views on using the Sports Council as a vehicle for distributing these funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31442/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Following extensive negotiations in recent weeks between my Department, the Irish Sports Council, the GAA and the GPA, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an agreement has been reached on this issue. While player welfare is a separate issue for which the GAA has responsibility, I intend to make provision for the introduction of a scheme through the Irish Sports Council, which will recognise the outstanding contribution of Senior Gaelic Inter-County players to our indigenous sport, to meet additional costs associated with elite team performance and to encourage aspiring teams and players to reach the highest levels of sporting endeavour. In return the players will involve themselves in a number of social responsibilities, including working in close co-operation with the Local Sports Partnerships on a programme of visits to schools and club facilities as a part of an overall policy to increase participation in their sports. An amount of €3.5 million will be provided through the Irish Sports Council in 2008 to fund the scheme.

I set out below a copy of the agreement for the Deputy's information.Agreement between the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Irish Sports Council, GAA and GPA to recognise the contribution of Senior Inter-County Players and additional costs associated with enhancing team performance.

Rationale.

Our Senior Inter-County players provide the window through which our National Games are viewed nationally and internationally. It is recognised that the successful teams prepare and train to the highest international standards for team sports and that the current scheme of tax relief for professional sports people cannot be applied to Gaelic players because of their amateur status. The Minister therefore, via the Irish Sports Council, in consultation with the GAA and the GPA, intends to introduce schemes to recognise the outstanding contribution of Gaelic Inter-County players to our indigenous sport, to meet additional costs associated with elite team performance and to encourage aspiring teams and players to reach the highest levels of sporting endeavour. These schemes will be based specifically on Championship participation, the GAA's blue riband competitions, commencing at the end of the National Leagues, and will operate as follows:

Annual Team Performance Scheme.

The Annual Team Performance Scheme will be based on the performance of teams during the championships and will apply to the 12 Gaelic football teams qualifying for the third round of the All-Ireland Qualifier series or reaching a Provincial Final, and the 12 hurling teams participating in the McCarthy Cup. The level of award available to teams will be calculated on a sliding scale increasing with continuing involvement in the Championships.

Annual Support Scheme for the Development of Excellence in the Indigenous Sports of Hurling and Gaelic football.

The Annual Support Scheme for the Development of Excellence will be based on the achievement of standards and performance-based criteria designed to raise/maintain the levels of preparation and skill of the teams and individuals not qualifying for the Team Performance Scheme. The GAA, the GPA and the Irish Sports Council will agree a set of standards and performance based criteria for counties and their senior team squads eliminated in the first two rounds of the All-Ireland Football Qualifiers, and those participating in the Tommy Murphy Cup, the Christy Ring and Nicky Rackard Cups. Recognising that the achievement of excellence necessitates increased sacrifice and effort by counties and individuals, this scheme will assist them in achieving/maintaining the required standards. Support will not be made available to individuals or squads that fail to meet minimum standards.

Funding

An amount of €3.5m will be provided in 2008 to fund these schemes.

County committees, team management and players representatives in participating counties will develop improvement plans with measurable goals and objectives, agreed with the ISC, and consistent with national GAA coaching and games development policy. The supports will be based on the following criteria:

County Committee Responsibilities:

Establish and agree key performance indicators with team management. This will involve identifying squad targets and objectives, formulating an appropriate training regime/plan, establishing a code of conduct to which all parties give agreement and the provision of comprehensive information and advice on the anti-doping code. These indicators, objectives and requirements will be incorporated in the proposed Charter for inter county teams and County Committees.

Provision, as appropriate, of qualified personnel to enhance player/team development. This to include advice and support in all aspects of team and individual fitness, nutrition, health and well-being associated with playing the games.

A system to take account of players joining or departing from the county squad will be agreed.

Ensure the presence of certified medical personnel at all inter-county games.

Player Responsibilities:

Attend at least 80% of all training sessions/matches. This commitment will also apply to injured/rehab personnel except where excused.

Demonstrate improvement through regular fitness testing.

Keep updated training log/diary.

Strict adherence to anti-doping code.

Players who violate the code will not receive awards

Injured players will be expected to meet a set of agreed minimum requirements to demonstrate that they are participating satisfactorily in the rehabilitation process in order to receive an award.

Players will commit to participate in an agreed level of coaching and games development work in their county on a voluntary basis. In co-operation with the Local Sports Partnerships players will visit schools and youth facilities as part of an overall policy to promote increased participation in their sports.

Players will involve themselves in initiatives at county and national level to promote their sports as a healthy activity for all ages.

Any Inter County Squad or Player may decline the amount.

Conditions:

1Funding for the above schemes will be provided annually through the Irish Sports Council to the GAA and the criteria and arrangements for their disbursement will be agreed by the GAA, the GPA and the ISC.

2These schemes will be additional to, and will not negatively impact on, existing funding or any future funding, provided by the Government to the GAA through the ISC.

3All parties recognise the amateur status of the GAA and nothing in this agreement will undermine that amateur status.

4The schemes will be administered by a National Committee with player/ administrative representatives of the GAA and GPA. Committees to administer the schemes at county level will also be established.

5Dispute resolution will be carried out by the National Committee whose decisions will be final.

6This agreement applies to senior inter-county football and hurling panels only. Funding will be based on panels to a maximum of 30 players.

7Any tax liability that might arise from these schemes is the responsibility of the individual player.

8Player welfare is a separate issue for which the GAA takes full responsibility.

9The schemes will be subject to a tri-annual independent review to be carried out under the aegis of the ISC.