Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Tom Fleming that there is enormous potential in the prospect of Ireland staging a future rugby world cup. The hosting of the American football team Notre Dame in Croke Park last year attracted large numbers of visitors. Is the Government lobbying other international sports organisations to encourage more of that type of engagement? I met some of the visitors who came to Dublin for the Notre Dame game, many of whom travelled to other parts of the country to meet relatives. They were greatly enthused by the reception they received here, it being their first trip to Ireland in many cases. Is any work going on in the background in this regard?