Support for GAA clubs to reduce insurance premiums is a positive step – Carrigy

Support for GAA clubs to reduce the costs of their insurance premiums is a positive step after the challenges presented by Covid-19, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Micheál Carrigy, who is Fine Gael’s Seanad spokesperson on Media, Arts, Sports & Tourism, said, “I welcome reports today that GAA clubs will be asked to pay one-sixth of their insurance premium as part of an agreement to support the clubs and overseas units.

“It is also understood that the Association is moving the period that the injury scheme will run from to align with a membership cut-off point on March 31 which is designed to assist cash flow for the clubs.

“Earlier this year Government announced funding of €70 million to protect the national sports system in Ireland.

“Sport Ireland was also in a position to meet the requests of National Governing Bodies for their club networks to the tune of €9.7 million, allowing an additional €5 million to be invested in the GAA, IRFU and FAI club networks.

“In addition to the Covid-19 fund, the Government has allocated an additional €15 million to GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association specifically for the running of the Inter-County Championships.

“I have been involved in my local GAA club for years and know the pressures facing the sector as a result of Covid-19. I know that these measures to reconfigure costs will ease the burden on clubs as we enter into the New Year,” Senator Carrigy concluded.