John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Did Horse Sport Ireland ask the Irish Sports Council about this event? I am interested in this because of the spin-off it would have had for small businesses and many others. Did Horse Sport Ireland consult the Irish Sports Council? The newspapers state an RTE interview was the first time Pearse Lyons made it known publicly he was willing to underwrite the entire event. Was the Department involved in it?