The Games Administration Council of the GAA was condemned for its response to the fracas involving Meath and Mayo players in last month's All Ireland football final. Renewing his call for a debate on sport, Mr Sean Maloney (Lab) said an airing of views was more necessary than ever in view of the recent All Ireland debacle, the situation in Northern Ireland last weekend, when the soccer match between Cliftonville and Portadown had to be abandoned because of sectarian violence, and the behaviour of people like Paul Gascoigne.

Violence was creeping into sport all the time, added Mr Maloney. "One would have to condemn the Games Administration Council for the action it took in not dealing sufficiently with people who behaved in a thuggish fashion at the All Ireland final."

House leader Mr Maurice Manning said Mr Maloney had mounted a tour de force by including various sports in his argument and by bringing in Northern Ireland as well. He felt there should be a major debate on sport and sports policy. The Minister was keen to have such a debate, and he would take steps to see if it could be arranged.