Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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530. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if consideration will be given to increasing grant funding for amateur athletes playing inter-county games to ensure, at the very least, they are not out of pocket due to the increasing financial pressures faced by players as the level of State funding has not changed in years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52023/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Sport Ireland provided €5.6 million in 2024 in respect of the Government's support for intercounty Gaelic Games in addition to the annual investment in games development. This funding is payable to the GAA which, in collaboration with the LGFA, the Camogie Association and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), is responsible for its distribution to teams and players along with its reporting and oversight.

The GPA has submitted a pre-Budget funding submission to me and to my officials in which it seeks a significant increase in Exchequer funding support. This will be given due consideration in the context of the resourcing outcome for my Department from Budget 2026 negotiations and taking account of the funding demands across a wide range of sports.