Cullen proposes 'very generous' offer

MINISTER FOR Sport Martin Cullen has proposed a “very generous and worthy scheme” to the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), he told the Dáil yesterday.

The original grant scheme for elite inter-county players “was no longer viable”, but “I am anxious to address the main concern of the players which is recognition of the contribution that they make to the culture and traditions of this country.

“In that context I want to put in place a scheme that is sustainable and will provide that recognition,” he added.

The Government contributed €3.5 million to the original scheme. Mr Cullen did not say how much he proposed for a sustainable replacement but he stressed that “the total cost of the other 16 sports that we fund, which is quite extensive and goes directly to athletes” was €2 million.

“I want as many sports as possible to be funded within the limits of the resources available to me to ensure the continued strategic development of sport,” added the minister.

Cullen told Seán Power (FF, Kildare South), who raised the issue on the adjournment, that the taxpayer could no longer fund the entire cost of the scheme.

Power said “it is pitiful to see and read reports casting a doubt” over its future and added that changed economic circumstances “cannot be used as an excuse for discontinuing the scheme”.

Cullen said he met GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell and his colleagues, Kieran McGeeney and Donal Óg Cusack “with a view to agreeing a sustainable new scheme that would recognise the outstanding contribution of Gaelic players to our indigenous sports”.

He added that “what I have proposed to the GPA is a very generous and worthy scheme. I hope its members will reflect on that”.

Speaking briefly about the issue of players’ grants and this week’s meeting with Cullen, Farrell said yesterday that he was constrained from commenting while talks on the future of the scheme are ongoing but emphasised the GPA position.

“This scheme was introduced for a number of reasons. One, it signalled a parity of esteem with other athletes for players who make such a huge contribution to the social fabric of the country. We have stated time and time again that we are prepared to accept cuts in line with other athletes.”