103 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the Government's view on the proposal by the GAA to remove Rule 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27888/01]

The question of the deletion of Rule 21 from the rule book of the Gaelic Athletic Association is a matter for the organisation itself, which is an independent, autonomous body. As the Deputy is aware, I and other Ministers have, on a number of occasions, publicly expressed our support for the deletion of Rule 21 from the rules of the GAA.

A special congress will be held by the GAA next Saturday, 17 November 2001, to vote on this issue.