Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Yes, we are working on that issue. The Chairman is correct that last year's Notre Dame game brought thousands of visitors not only to Dublin, but to locations throughout the country. It was the first time I ever saw taxi drivers, hoteliers, restaurateurs and publicans so united in their efforts to put on a good show. The message those visitors brought back to the United States was a very strong and positive one, namely, that there is value to be had from holidaying in Ireland and people here are friendly and welcoming. The event itself was a tremendous success, as was the Volvo ocean race. We are always working with Fáilte Ireland to target those types of major international events. There is a significant cost factor with some of them which would often require a feasibility study. Many local authorities are involved in encouraging college teams to come over to Ireland from the United States. I launched South Dublin County Council's initiative in this regard as part of The Gathering. American football is somewhat different from soccer, Gaelic football and hurling or rugby in that its games are an occasion for extended families, with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and children all attending together. We saw that in the numbers who came to Dublin for the Notre Dame game and we are targeting more events like it. Fáilte Ireland would agree that in terms of return to the economy, it was the best value event for the money we spent on it. Above all, however, it allowed us to send a strong message abroad that this country is alive and well.