§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in view of the fact that the Gaelic Athletic Association has reaffirmed its rules which discriminate against members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and members of Her Majesty's security forces, what decision he has taken regarding continuing grants to the Gaelic Athletic Association.
§ Mr. CarterThe payment of capital grant to Gaelic Athletic Association clubs is to be resumed following the temporary suspension of grants in December 1977. Grants were suspended following remarks made by a judge in open court which raised the issue of whether or not the Department of Education for Northern Ireland was in breach of Section 19 of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 in grant aiding GAA clubs. Having received legal advice the Government have decided that payments to the GAA should be resumed on the basis of 33⅓ per cent. grant aid, the grant rate payable to voluntary sporting clubs which have restricted membership.