Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Yes, it is provided for. These events are provided for in the year that they cost money. There are some costs associated with the Ryder Cup this year and there will obviously be more in the year that it is hosted. That is particularly the case for the European Championships; nearly all the costs will obviously be around the time it is hosted and so we do not have to provide for it this year. Regarding major sporting events, which will also answer Deputy Andrews's question, we will shortly launch a policy for major events. We have drafted our policy and asked other Departments for their input on it. It should be ready soon; it is almost complete. That will set a transparent and objective framework on how we accept major events.

Regarding the proposal by Deputy Andrews, I have no issue with having a match. We often get these proposals for major events in the media or in the Dáil and the sports bodies themselves have never been in touch with us at all. That has happened on a number of occasions in my tenure as Minister of State. I have seen people on TV saying, "Oh, we are talking to the Government about this" when I know they have not been. That sometimes happens. This policy will enable this to be put on a framework. There is at least one big one. The World Rally Championship is under consideration.