GPA to raise grants issue with new Government

The issue of player grants for GAA players is still on the agenda according to GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell who is hoping to raise the issue with the new Government in the next few weeks.

Farrell, the former Dublin footballer, expects to be raising the issue with the new Sports Minister as soon as the new government take office.

"A new minister will be in situ so I will be pursuing it immediately with whoever that individual may be," Farrell said today.

According to Farrell, there was major cross-party support for the concept before last month's General Election and he hopes that face-to-face talks can be arranged with the new Government to bring the issue back on the agenda.

"I think we had all the bases well covered - there was huge cross-party support for this scheme and the concept.

"I think at this stage it is a wait and see game. I know that both the GAA and ourselves will be very actively taking this to the new minister - within the first week or two I'd imagine.

"The Government have pledged €5m of additional funding for this scheme so it is a matter of trying to establish the correct mechanism now," he added.

"The GAA have stated that they are not happy with the original mechanism proposed by the Government and they want to investigate alternative routes, perhaps having the Sports Council administer this funding."

From a GPA viewpoint, Farrell is conscious that the funding is made available to the players, no matter what mechanism is agreed upon.

"We wouldn't have an issue exploring whatever route, the most efficient and effective way forward is best for players at this stage.

"Nonetheless, we will not be losing sight of the fact that there is an additional €5m paid from the government through this original mechanism.

"At the end of the day the players don't mind how the funding is secured as long as it is," admitted the Gaelic Players' chief.