Male and female inter-county players set for equal Government funding

Minister of State for the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Jack Chambers TD Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

The significant imbalance in Government funding for male and female inter-county players will be brought to an end this year, Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers has said.

Chambers has committed to trebling the current level of funding for female inter-county players, meaning camogie players and ladies footballers will receive the same level of grant funding on a per player basis as their male counterparts.

At present, €3m grant funding is paid annually to male inter-county players, whereas the €700k awarded to female inter-county players is a more team focused grant. This equates to an average of €1,282 per male player, compared to €424 invested for each female.

The Minister of State for Sport said these are figures he cannot stand over or defend. He confirmed that funding for female inter-county players will treble from €700k to €2.4m, adding that there is to be no change to the amount of funding allocated to male inter-county players.

Asked on RTÉ Radio 1’s Today with Claire Byrne when will this increase come into effect, Chambers replied “this year”.

“We have seen this year the GPA and WGPA merge, underpinned by the principle of equality, and I think that principle has to stand when it comes to the funding of our players. What I propose on doing is that we have €1,200 for both [male and female inter-county player],” said Chambers.

“If you take the Levelling the Field report from the WGPA last year, they referenced the huge difficulty they have around certain expenses. For all our young women and girls who are playing camogie and ladies football, we have to ensure there is no artificial glass ceiling when it comes to sport and I am serious about rectifying that. It is absolutely important that we have parity of esteem and equality of treatment when it comes to funding.” 

Chambers insisted the disparity in funding that exists at present will be resolved this year.

“I am going to do that this year. Incremental progress, when there is such inequality, isn't enough.

“We'll be trebling the amount on the women's side, it'll go up to about €2.4m. There are slightly less female inter-county players than male but there will be equality in terms of the average of what both get and will both equate to €1,200. That is the right thing to do.

“It is important for any girl that wants to play for their county that they get that equality of treatment when it comes to state funding. It will enable us to support the welfare of teams in a greater way and also help players around their expenses.”

The Gaelic Players Association has welcomed this morning’s announcement.

Co-chairs of the GPA’s national executive committee Maria Kinsella and Tom Parsons said: “The role of female inter-county players and the value that they contribute within Irish society has been rightfully recognised by today’s announcement and we thank the Minister and Minister of State for responding so positively to the data presented in the Levelling the Field Report.

“We now look forward to working with them, their officials, and Sport Ireland to devise the most appropriate model for the distribution of the funding to ensure it has the most positive impact possible on the lives of our members.” 

Added GPA interim CEO Ciarán Barr: “With the merger of the GPA and WGPA, the pillar of equality was added to the GPA constitution. We want to achieve equality of investment, recognition, and opportunity for our female members and it is heartening that our public representatives have responded so positively to that position.

“Today’s announcement also shows that when players speak collectively with one voice through the GPA really constructive and impactful change can come about.”

The LGFA also welcomed the news, stating: “Together with the Camogie Association and WGPA, we have submitted proposals for players expenses as part of the Intercounty Government Grant Scheme over the past number of years, and we are delighted to see this come to fruition.”