Money will be given to hurlers and Gaelic footballers through the GAA, who will be handed the cash by Sport Ireland.

Competitions run by the organisation are at an amateur level, with players receiving no wages for their efforts, although they can claim expenses for their participation.

In 2017, €1.6 million (£1.3 million/$1.7 million) will be provided through the scheme.

This will increase to €2.3 million (£1.9 million/$2.4 million) in 2018 and €3 million (£2.5 million/$3.1 million) in 2019.

"The agreement provides continued recognition for the contribution of Gaelic inter-county players to the economic and social fabric of the nation," said Enda Kelly, the Republic of Ireland’s Taioseach, head of the Government.

"Our inter-county players showcase the skill, excellence and commitment of our national games at home and abroad.

"They train hard to become the best they can be in order to do their county, their town or their parish proud."

The GAA will work with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) to decide how the money is divided out.

"This new agreement with the Government is important for players as it once again recognises the vital economic and social contribution made by county players," said GPA chairman Seamus Hickey.

"It reinforces the principle of parity for county players with other high performance athletes and professional sportspeople supported through state sponsored schemes.

"It also provides a level of practical support to many players who are under financial pressure across the spectrum, from young students juggling their significant sporting and academic commitments to the more experienced players with young families to care for, mortgages and bills to pay operating and performing at the highest levels in Irish sport."