Gaelic Players Association (GPA) CEO Tom Parsons has said that pursuing a players' charter for their female members is a key priority on a day when all motions at their AGM were passed unanimously.
That included one brought forward by Wexford football captain Róisín Murphy to call upon the national governing body 'to review sourcing standards for all gear and equipment used for the purposes of any activity related to the inter-county game, with a view to implementing sustainable sourcing guarantees.'
Murphy, who works as a responsible sourcing manager with Kerry Group, decided to present the motion so environmental and ethical work practices were taken into consideration when sourcing equipment.
"I'm bringing the motion forward because I believe that the GAA has a fantastic platform and opportunity to really change the questions we ask in this space and to do better," said Murphy ahead of Saturday’s AGM in Portlaoise.
"It's not a secret at this stage that the pearl industry has a significant impact on the environment, on human rights in those supply chains."
Parsons, meanwhile, said that discussions had already begun for creating a players’ charter for male inter-county players for 2023, and also said that they would pursue the creation of one for their female members too.
"Following the WGPA 'Levelling the Field’ report and various engagements on the topic of equality, the Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers increased funding for female players to €2.4 million from €700,000, an increase of €1.7m in 2021," said Parsons.
"The challenge still remains that there is no charter in place for female players, but the GPA is committed to the pursuit of equality with the NGBs [national governing bodies].
"There is a collective responsibility across the NGB’s and players to fast-track progress on delivering improved standards for females in our games. I am delighted that someone of the calibre of former President of Ireland Mary McAleese has been appointed to chair the Gaelic games integration process."
