Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns, left, and Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA Tom Ryan during the GAA Annual Report media event at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile.
By John Harrington
GAA Ard Stiúrthóir, Tom Ryan, revealed in his Annual Report today that the Association has established an Ethics and Integrity Commission.
This Commission will provide advice to Association units and members in relation to matters of ethics and integrity.
“Our clubs and members increasingly encounter situations which stretch the limits of our responsibility or which are not governed by our rules,” wrote Ryan in his Annual Report.
“Quite often these are situations which were never envisaged. Clearly where there are gaps in our rules we will amend them accordingly, but not every eventuality can – or should - be legislated for.
“Not having a rule doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a position. That is why we have constituted an Ethics and Integrity Commission.
“This body will assess any issue concerning ethical standards or integrity in relation to Association activity, which do not fall within the remit of the standard disciplinary process.
“It will also engage in education, research, investigation and the provision of advice in relation to matters of ethics and integrity.
“Most importantly, it will also provide advice on the best approach in appropriate cases. With their guidance I believe we, and the Association as a whole, will be better equipped to deal appropriately with the most trying of circumstances and maintain our high standards.
“The initial proposal is to establish this function with advisory capacity within our current structures, but I do expect it to be enshrined in rule eventually.”
The 2025 GAA Annual Report can be viewed HERE and also viewed and downloaded below.