Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I had thought there would be some news this week on the Olympic torch. I must compliment Mr. Pat Hickey who is working hard on the issue. A number of meetings have taken place both here and abroad and I expect an announcement to be made within the next month which I hope will be positive. I compliment the Taoiseach, all of the State agencies and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, who have held meetings on the issue. However, to be fair, Mr. Hickey has been working extremely hard and I am very confident in this regard. Although I had hoped for an announcement this week, it did not happen, but I am confident it will be made next month. As I stated, a number of meetings have taken place and it would be a great boost for the country. Certainly, it would be the first time for many years that the Olympic torch had left the country in which the event was taking place. It would be a great signal for Ireland and provide a great boost for the economy. I hope and I am confident it will happen.

See this speech in context