Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Carlow-Kilkenny · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“We can tell a great deal about the strength of a rural community by the services that remain at its heart. If the school is open, the local shop is trading, the GAA club is thriving and the post office is still there, that community has a bright future. That is why this Bill matters.”
“Fianna Fáil has always believed that people should not have to leave rural Ireland to enjoy the same quality of public services as those living elsewhere. Balanced regional development means investing in the infrastructure that allows people to live, work, raise families and grow older in the communities that they love.”
“It recognises the pressures created by declining mail volumes, rising costs and changing consumer habits, while giving An Post the opportunity to continue modernising and developing the network for the future. However, this should not simply be about maintaining what we have.”
“For many older people, those living alone and those who are less comfortable with digital services, the post office remains their most trusted connection with the State and that role should never be underestimated. Rural Ireland has faced enormous changes over recent decades.”
“For people living with Friedreich's ataxia time is something they simply do not have. Every delay means more mobility lost, more speech lost and more independence taken away.”
“Like previous speakers, I raise the issue of teacher losses. I am asking for the intervention of the Tánaiste regarding Our Lady of Lourdes National School in Slieverue, County Kilkenny, where the incoming junior infants class for September 2026 is expected to consist of 34 children taught by a single teacher following the loss of a teach…”
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“Fianna Fáil has always believed that people should not have to leave rural Ireland to enjoy the same quality of public services as those living elsewhere. Balanced regional development means investing in the infrastructure that allows people to live, work, raise families and grow older in the communities that they love. The post office is part of that infrastructure because it supports local businesses, strengthens community life and provides an invaluable service to people every single day. This Bill is a clear statement that the Government recognises that value and is prepared to invest in it. It is an investment in our communities in rural Ireland and in ensuring that no part of our country is left behind. I am delighted to support this Bill and I congratulate the Minister of State for bringing it to the House.”
“It recognises the pressures created by declining mail volumes, rising costs and changing consumer habits, while giving An Post the opportunity to continue modernising and developing the network for the future. However, this should not simply be about maintaining what we have. It should also be about recognising what our post offices can become into the future because our post offices are trusted, accessible and located in the heart of communities across the country. As Government continues to modernise public services, we should continue exploring every opportunity to deliver more services through this network, making life easier for our citizens while strengthening the long-term future of our post offices.”
“For many older people, those living alone and those who are less comfortable with digital services, the post office remains their most trusted connection with the State and that role should never be underestimated. Rural Ireland has faced enormous changes over recent decades. We have seen the loss of banks, Garda stations and many other local services. Every time a service disappears, communities lose a little more of what makes them vibrant and sustainable. That is why we must continue to support our post office network. The funding that will be provided through this Bill will give certainty to postmasters and to the communities they serve.”
“We can tell a great deal about the strength of a rural community by the services that remain at its heart. If the school is open, the local shop is trading, the GAA club is thriving and the post office is still there, that community has a bright future. That is why this Bill matters. As Fianna Fáil spokesperson on rural affairs, I am delighted to support this legislation because it is about much more than funding a postal network. It is about protecting an essential piece of Ireland's social and economic infrastructure. For generations the local post office has been part of the fabric of community life. It is where people collect their pensions, access Government services, carry out their banking, send parcels, pay bills and, just as importantly, meet their neighbours and friends and keep connected to their community.”
“For people living with Friedreich's ataxia time is something they simply do not have. Every delay means more mobility lost, more speech lost and more independence taken away. Families such as Emily Felix and her family in Kilkenny, Oisín Pollard and his family in Carlow and many others have campaigned with huge dignity and courage for access to Skyclarys, the first treatment approved for this condition but unfortunately they continue to face delay and uncertainty while the disease continues to progress. Will the Taoiseach update the House on what the Government's position is on reimbursing Skyclarys? What message does he have for the young people and families who feel they are being asked to wait while an irreversible disease takes more and more from them every day?”
“I ask the Tánaiste to urgently engage with the Department of education to review this decision and explore any available mechanism to retain or restore the teaching resource needed to support these children. Every reasonable effort should be made to ensure that 34 junior infants are not required to spend their first year of school in a single class. It is obviously a national issue because I am the third and fourth speaker to raise a similar issue today. The intervention and help of the Tánaiste would be much appreciated.”
“Like previous speakers, I raise the issue of teacher losses. I am asking for the intervention of the Tánaiste regarding Our Lady of Lourdes National School in Slieverue, County Kilkenny, where the incoming junior infants class for September 2026 is expected to consist of 34 children taught by a single teacher following the loss of a teaching post. The school has successfully operated smaller junior infants classes in recent years. As the Tánaiste knows, research consistently shows that the greatest benefits of smaller classes come in the very early years of education. Despite these concerns, the school's appeal to retain the teaching post was, unfortunately, unsuccessful.”
“Let us honour that legacy, not only during Pride month but every day of the year, because love is love and no-one should ever have to live that love in fear.”
“We must continue to work harder than ever to build a society that is truly inclusive and respectful of all those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Those who identify as heterosexual have an equally important role to play. Being an ally is not complicated, it means standing up against bullying, challenging prejudice, speaking with kindness and creating workplaces, schools, sports clubs and communities where everyone feels welcome. Equality is strengthened when everyone stands together. The Ireland we should strive for is one where no one feels they have to hide who they are; a country where every child grows up believing he or she belongs. It is a society where difference is celebrated rather than feared. The marriage equality referendum showed us what Ireland can be when compassion triumphs over division.”
“Continued financial support for them is essential to continue to provide these irreplaceable services. The Pride festivals of counties Carlow and Kilkenny are taking place in July. They have fantastic committees of volunteers who do outstanding work to make the city of Kilkenny and county of Carlow vibrant, colourful and safe places to be. When people march in Pride, they are not simply marching for themselves. The march for the teenager who is still afraid to tell his or her parents who he or she is, for the young person sitting in a classroom wondering if he or she will ever truly belong, and for those who still fear rejection because of who they love or how they identify. Their courage lights the way for someone else.”
“For many it has been life-changing but it does have another side. Too often social media rewards outrage instead of understanding. It can amplify division instead of dialogue, spread misinformation instead of truth and give a platform to abuse that would never be tolerated face to face. We are seeing, not just in Ireland but across the world, how online hostility can create a more divided society. If we want a more inclusive Ireland, we must ensure that the values we show offline are reflected online too. We must not forget the excellent services that our youth services provide in our local communities, especially those in my own constituency, where we have the Carlow Regional Youth Services in County Carlow, and Ossory Youth in County Kilkenny. Their staff and volunteers do unbelievable work for our young people.”
“It tells them there is a community that accepts and values them, and believes they deserve every opportunity to live full and happy lives. Pride is equally important for parents and families because every parent wants his or her child to grow up safe, confident and accepted. Many parents of young children carry worries, not because they are anything other than immensely proud of their children, but because they know society can still be unkind at times and worry about bullying, discrimination, mental health and whether their child will be judged for simply being themselves. No parent should have to carry those fears. One of the greatest challenges facing all young people today is social media. This has given many LGBTQ+ people the opportunity to find support, build friendships, and realise they are not alone.”
“That referendum was about far more than changing our Constitution. It was about recognising that love is equal. It was about neighbours, families, friends and communities standing together and saying that everyone deserves the same rights, respect and opportunity to build a life with the person they love. It was one of Ireland’s proudest moments, and showed the world what compassion, equality and hope can achieve. School remains one of the toughest places in Irish life to be an LGBTQ+ young person, with three quarters of these students reporting that they feel unsafe, and half experiencing bullying. No young person should have to feel he or she has to hide who he or she is simply to feel safe. Pride gives hope to those young people and reminds them they are not alone.”
“I am very grateful to be able to speak about Pride in the Chamber because it means so much to so many people. It is a celebration of love, identity, courage and hope. However, it is also a reminder of the journey that has brought us here and the responsibility we all share to continue to build a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society. I am proud to speak about Pride because it represents something much bigger that a parade or celebration. It represents the freedom to live openly, honestly and authentically, as well as the belief that every person deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to be themselves without fear. Ireland has come a remarkable distance. In 2015, the people of Ireland made history by becoming the first country in the world to approve marriage equality by popular vote.”
“If this Government is serious about rural regeneration and balanced regional development, essential infrastructure must be delivered to deliver on those ambitions.”
“As someone who was born and reared in rural Ireland and who lives there, I will highlight the very real challenges facing communities in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. In communities like those of Mullinavat and Inistioge, inadequate wastewater treatment capacity is becoming a serious barrier to future growth and future investment. People in these communities want to see homes delivered and young families supported. They want to see local businesses, sports clubs and schools given the opportunity to develop. However, without the necessary water and wastewater infrastructure, rural towns and villages around the country are being limited in their ability to reach their full potential.”
“What immediate actions will be taken to ensure approved home support hours are not just approved on paper but are actually delivered in practice?”
“I raise the ongoing challenge of providing adequate home support hours to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Every week, families across Carlow and Kilkenny contact my office after being told that approved hours cannot be delivered because there simply are not enough carers available. Older people and people with disabilities are being left without the support they need to remain safely and independently in their own homes. In many cases, family members are forced to step in, often at considerable personal and financial cost. We all agree that supporting people to live at home for as long as possible is the right approach but that commitment means little when approved services are unavailable. The situation is causing distress and huge pressure for families, hospitals and residential care services.”
“Last night in Kilkenny we had a very special evening when Eamon Langton was conferred with the honour of becoming a freeman of Kilkenny city. Mr Langton has been a champion of Kilkenny city for decades and has been a brilliant ambassador for all things that are great in Kilkenny, be that the Kilkenny hurling team and his support, tourism and employment. He has been absolutely fantastic. He joins a very exclusive club that includes Éamon de Valera, Constance Markievicz, Brian Cody and Eddie Keher. Eamon Langton is a freeman of the city and it is much deserved. I pay tribute to and thank the mayor, Councillor John Coonan, for his foresight in nominating Eamon Langton. It was a very special evening. I congratulate Eamon and all his family.”
“Will the Government establish new designated parking bays at motorway junctions to support car-pooling and curtail rising costs for commuters? The basic infrastructure to support car-pooling does not exist in many parts of the country. Motorists are already using motorway junctions as informal meeting points. They pull in on hard shoulders in Paulstown, Mullinavat, Castledermot, Knocktopher and Danesfort. Provision of spaces with safe access, lighting and basic security would immediately reduce dangerous stopping practices and lower commuting costs and congestion. The solution would play into existing Government policy aimed at reducing emissions, tackling congestion and supporting more sustainable travel.”
“Importantly, it seeks to support those traditional pubs that do not benefit from the reduced 9% VAT rate because they are not food businesses. There is a broader point here about parity of esteem. The State rightly supports sectors viewed as culturally or economically valuable through targeted tax credits and incentives. It is done for film, gaming and television production. Surely there is a strong argument for supporting one of the most recognisable parts of Irish social and cultural life, particularly when it plays such an important role in sustaining rural communities. Ultimately, this is not just about pubs; it is about whether rural Ireland continues to have a place where people can gather, connect and maintain community life. Once those spaces are gone, the social consequences are very difficult to reverse.”
“I appreciate the response but this issue requires a stronger sense of urgency from the Government because the trend lines are moving in the wrong direction. We are seeing more than 120 pubs close every year in this country. Once these businesses disappear from rural communities, they very rarely come back. What concerns many publicans is that although Government policy increasingly recognises the cultural and economic importance of pubs in theory, that recognition is not translated into practical support measures that reflect the realities they face on the ground. The VFI proposal is a measured and targeted one. It is capped and linked to verified supply costs. It is focused on the on-trade sector and particularly on smaller rural pubs.”
“It is fundamentally about whether we are serious about protecting rural Ireland and the communities that sustain it. Will the Government seriously examine the VFI’s proposed on-trade sustainability scheme ahead of budget 2027 and recognise that protecting rural pubs is ultimately about protecting rural communities?”
“Importantly, there is a precedent for this type of support within Government policy. We already provide tax credits to support film and television production, digital gaming and unscripted television production. This is about rural sustainability, protecting local employment, supporting tourism and maintaining social cohesion in communities that are already feeling under pressure from depopulation and loss of services. The OECD recently highlighted the importance of community infrastructure and social spaces in sustaining rural communities and local economies. The GAA has warned about the erosion of rural social infrastructure and specifically identified the loss of pubs as contributing to declining community vibrancy. This issue goes well beyond one sector.”
“However, the reality is that many smaller rural pubs do not serve food and, therefore, cannot meaningfully benefit from that measure. In fact, the VFI estimates that two thirds of smaller rural pubs are excluded from the benefit of the reduced VAT because they are traditional drinks-only establishments. That is why the VFI proposal for the on-trade sustainability scheme deserves serious consideration ahead of budget 2027. It is a targeted, capped and structured tax credit proposal that is aimed specifically at supporting smaller pubs that are struggling with rising costs and declining viability. The proposal will provide support linked to verified draught product supply costs, with a cap of €20,000 per premises, ensuring the support is proportionate and targeted towards smaller operators.”
“For older people in particular, the local pub often acts as an important defence against loneliness and isolation. In many areas, it is one of the last functioning community hubs left standing. Rural pubs are not just businesses. They are part of the social infrastructure of rural Ireland. Despite that role, many publicans face what the VFI describes as an existential threat to their survival. The cost pressures they are dealing with are extraordinary. Electricity costs have risen by 70% in the past five years, alongside insurance and every other operational cost facing small businesses. It is important to note that the restoration of the 9% VAT rate for food service is very welcome and will undoubtedly provide essential support for many hospitality businesses.”
“The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, VFI, AGM took place last week at Mount Wolseley in my constituency. The message coming directly from publicans is that rural pubs are under enormous pressure. Closures are accelerating year after year. Since 2005, more than 2,200 pubs have closed across the country. More worrying again is that the rate of closure is increasing, with approximately 128 pubs closing every year. We have to be honest about what that means for rural Ireland. When a pub closes in a village or small town, we are not simply losing a business premises or a commercial enterprise; we are losing a meeting place and a venue for traditional music, fundraisers, sports clubs and community gatherings. In many communities, we are losing the last remaining social space where people can come together.”
“We need to ensure that recruitment and resources are distributed more fairly so that rural Ireland is not left behind. Will the Government commit to improving the geographical spread of Garda resources and increasing the visible Garda presence in rural communities, particularly in Carlow-Kilkenny but also around the country?”
“I acknowledge the hard work and commitment of our gardaí across the country. Day in and day out they serve communities with professionalism and dedication, often under significant pressure and with limited resources. The increase in Garda recruitment and investment in recent years is welcome and appreciated. However, rural communities still feel they are not seeing the benefit of the investment on the ground. The issue is not simply Garda numbers; it is the geographical spread of resources. Too many rural towns and villages are left without a visible Garda presence. People in rural Ireland deserve to feel safe in their homes, farms and communities. Farmers continue to face theft and trespassing. Elderly residents are worried about isolation and long response times. Many communities feel disconnected from local policing.”
“Irish unity is now moving from an aspiration to a live constitutional question. The responsibility on the Government is to ensure we are not just commenting on that reality but actively preparing for it in a serious and structured way. If unity is to be achieved, it will not emerge from sentiment alone. It will require detailed constitutional, economic, health, educational and governance planning. This is not about accelerating a process. Rather, it is about ensuring readiness for one of the most significant constitutional developments in the history of this State. What concrete work is the Government undertaking to prepare for Irish unity? Rather than just discussing it, we must plan for it in a comprehensive and credible way, should the people of this island choose that path.”
“Across rural Ireland family-run pubs are under severe pressure from rising energy bills, insurance costs, staffing shortages and reduced footfall. In many villages and small towns, the local pub is more than a business, it is a social hub, a meeting place and an important part of community life. The Vintners' Federation of Ireland is calling for the Government to introduce a new targeted tax credit, which would be linked to draught products and capped at €20,000 per premises. I strongly support this request, and I ask the Taoiseach to outline what specific measures the Government is considering supporting small rural pubs, including action on energy costs-----”
“Peter is a product of Kilkenny City Harriers. In March, he ran the first sub one hour half marathon in New York, which was an incredible achievement. The community of Kilkenny City Harriers and Kilkenny County Council came out last night to support and congratulate this young man on his incredible achievements. It is important in this House that we acknowledge that Peter was an ordinary young lad growing up, worked his way through and showed incredible and resourcefulness. To come away and be a pure champion is absolutely fantastic. I pay tribute to Peter Lynch and Kilkenny City Harriers for their fantastic work.”
“As the Minister of State knows, I have a number of projects and I am sure we will discuss them at length in due course. I want to pay tribute to his colleagues in Killarney as well. Ken and the lads have been fantastic in any dealings I have had with them on existing schemes to new ones going forward. I welcome the Minister of State's commitment to the LSSIF to open in late 2027 or early 2028 as provided for in the programme for Government. We have some key infrastructure projects in my constituency that I look forward to discussing with the Minister of State as well. Last night in Kilkenny I attended an amazing event for an incredible young man called Peter Lynch. He is the fastest marathon runner in the Republic of Ireland. He ran 2:06:08 to finish ninth in the London marathon and was the first European past the post.”
“They are at the heart and soul of communities right across the country. They make a phenomenal difference and the Government has to continue to support them. I look forward to the funds opening up in June for the thousands of clubs across the country that can benefit from this significant funding.”
“I thank the Minister of State and acknowledge his role in the sports capital grant. To see the fund increase under previous governments from €70 million to €170 million and then to €270 million in the previous round has been absolutely fantastic. This Government needs to continue to support and invest in sporting organisations right across the country. The caps on the regional, local and equipment grants were €500,000, €200,000 and €70,000, respectively, in the previous round. It is my strong view that grants need to be brought in line with increased costs. I implore the Minister of State to try, to the best of his ability, to get all three of those caps increased to give clubs a fighting chance. Sports capital grants are a shot in the arm for clubs that are the lifeblood of communities.”
“There also appears to be inconsistency in how these rules are applied, which again can only add to the sense of unfairness and frustration. At a time recruitment and retention are already under pressure, this approach is not just unfair; it is counterproductive. Does the Taoiseach accept that the current system is asking as a barrier to teachers returning home? Will he commit to a clear review of how overseas experience is recognised so that policy matches the Government's stated ambition?”
“We hear a lot about teacher shortages, and the Government rightly says it wants to attract experienced teachers home from abroad but the reality on the ground can sometimes tell a different story. Teachers returning from abroad, including places like Dubai, are finding that years and sometimes decades of experience simply are not being recognised on the incremental salary scale. The justification given is that this work was done in private schools, even where those schools operated under rigorous inspection and accountability systems. Quite frankly, this does not add up. On the one hand, we are asking teachers to come home and, on the other, we are effectively telling them that their experience abroad does not count.”
“I want to see a future where my daughters and all young people across Ireland grow up in an environment where the pull of nicotine addiction has been significantly reduced, where informed choices are the norm and where public health is protected with the seriousness it deserves. This Bill is a step towards that future, and it is a step worth taking.”
“The HSE Quit Service offers vital assistance to adults who smoke or vape. For younger people, the HSE Quit4Youth programme provides a dedicated seven-week support structure designed for them to stop. The Government is showing strong leadership through the measures contained in this Bill. I am particularly proud that Fianna Fáil continues to play a leading role in advancing public health policy, just as it did with the smoking ban many years ago. I look forward to the day when I can reflect, not only as a politician but also as a father, on the positive and lasting impact this legislation will have had.”
“In Ireland, approximately 11% of under-25s are regular users of e-cigarettes, the highest usage rate of any age group. There are multiple factors driving this: the widespread perception that vaping is less harmful than smoking, the lower cost per use compared to traditional cigarettes, and the appeal of flavoured products that mask the harshness typically associated with tobacco. The absence of the traditional smell of smoke also makes these products easier to conceal, further increasing their attractiveness among younger users. This is not a marginal issue. It is a generational one, and it demands a comprehensive, sustained response. I join colleagues across this House in encouraging people, including those in my constituency, which covers Carlow and Kilkenny, to seek support if they are trying to quit.”
“While it may appear less harmful on the surface, it can contain very high levels of nicotine, posing serious risks and potentially leading to addiction and other health complications. As this product is relatively new to the market, we are still learning about its full impact. However, early indicators are deeply concerning. Reports from last November showed that tobacco firm PJ Carroll saw sales of nicotine pouches in Ireland increase almost five-fold, rising from 6 million to 29 million units. That is not just growth; that is an extraordinarily alarming surge. It underlines the urgency with which we must respond. We now have clear and, unfortunately, growing evidence that the younger population is becoming increasingly dependent on nicotine.”
“Furthermore, emerging research indicates that long-term use of e-cigarettes can significantly impair the function of blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, which should concern us all. I commend the ongoing work of the Irish Heart Foundation. Its efforts in raising awareness of the dangers of vaping, particularly among younger people, have been invaluable. The briefings it has provided in Leinster House have been both informative and sobering. Its advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring that we, as policymakers, remain informed, responsive and grounded by evidence. The industry is fast-moving and aggressive, and one about which we must remain vigilant. A new product now emerging on the market is known as snus. For those unfamiliar with it, snus is a nicotine pouch placed between the lip and gum.”
“The industry is increasingly aggressive and actively targeting our children and other younger people through marketing strategies that rely on bright colours, appealing flavours and sleek modern designs. Let us be very clear: this is not accidental. It is absolutely deliberate. The Government is right to respond strongly through this Bill to protect our young people, not just from current harms but also from future ones. It is important that we continue to reinforce clear public health messaging. The best way to stop smoking is to contact a GP or pharmacist. Vaping is not recommended by the HSE as a method of smoking cessation. The evidence consistently shows that licensed medicines remain the safest and most effective way to quit smoking.”
“This Bill seeks to directly confront that reality. Through measures that restrict the colours and imagery used on nicotine inhaling products, devices and packaging, and by limiting flavours in these products to tobacco, with flexibility to adjust through regulation, we are taking decisive steps to remove the appeal that has drawn so many young people in. These are not cosmetic changes. They are targeted public health interventions designed to disrupt the pipeline into nicotine addiction. As legislators, but first and foremost as parents, we have a responsibility to act when we see a public health threat emerging. That is precisely what we are witnessing.”
“I am delighted to debate the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026. I firmly believe this legislation has the potential to have a transformative impact on our younger people, much like when An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, led the way in introducing the smoking ban in the early noughties. This is regarded to this day as one of the most significant and effective pieces of public health legislation in the history of the State. As a father of four young daughters, I am acutely aware of both the detrimental impact of these products and, more importantly, their very real lure and appeal for them. We are dealing with a generation that is being exposed not just to nicotine but also to a carefully crafted image of it, with colours and flavours and designed to appear harmless, even fashionable.”
“Importantly, this measure would not only support families, but it would also strengthen local clubs by boosting participation and membership. It is a simple targeted initiative that would promote health, community engagement and well-being, and the sustainability of grassroots sports. It is an idea worth serious consideration in the context of budget 2027. I am looking for the Taoiseach's support on it.”
“I want to raise a very practical measure that could support families and community sports. Will the Government consider introducing targeted tax relief for households and families on their memberships of sporting organisations? Many families in my constituency are under serious financial pressure to give their children the opportunity to be members and join multiple sporting organisations, whether it be soccer, hurling, camogie, athletics or swimming. The list goes on and on. If they want to play additional support such tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball or cricket, there are additional specific membership costs for all of these. Providing a modest tax relief for membership of sporting organisations would help put money back in the pockets of individuals and families.”
“It goes to show the importance of sticking together, the importance of sport and the importance of resilience and the life lessons learnt. We need to continue to invest in sport and in football. I encourage the Minister of State to fight as hard as possible to make sure that as much funding as possible is made available to the FAI and the football sector and to the grassroots. That is really important.”
“The first girls’ team was formed approximately five years ago. They have been campaigning and playing. Two weeks ago, they won the league. It is a great story of resilience. It was the first girls’ soccer team ever in the history of the club. There is now a girls’ soccer team at every single age group. They went on and won the league, but it is not about winning the league. It is about the friendships they have made and the spirit the group has formed together. It is about the coaches and the work they have done. It is about the parents. I commend every person involved in that group, from the coach to the grannies who dropped girls to training and the whole soccer community, because that was an incredible achievement.”
“In Kilkenny and Carlow we have a fantastic situation where, in the winter months, our soccer is played brilliantly and we have the facilities for it with AstroTurf and floodlights, and in the summer the GAA takes over. They can absolutely co-exist. In the context of the sports capital grant or the community sports capital fund, I encourage the Department to support joint applications. We have a lot of situations where communities and areas have come together, and the local GAA club and soccer club are side by side. I encourage that applications involving a soccer club and a GAA club be prioritised in this round in order to make sure that amount of money involved is as high as possible. I pay particular tribute to a group of girls involved with Highview Athletic in Graiguenamanagh, which is my club.”