Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I do not know if Foster and Allen were involved in the production of the CD but I would not like Deputy Dooley to get the impression this is the sole action of the co-ordinating group. Enterprise Ireland secured more than €300 million worth of contracts, a substantial outcome. There is considerable communication between the Minister and embassies abroad in selling Ireland as a destination, particularly for training in the lead-up to the games. We have been successful in attracting two teams already. It must be remembered, however, we are competing with the UK which offers £25,000 to each team which decides to locate in the UK. That is a difficult incentive to compete with in a time when we are faced with major budgetary constraints.

I do not agree the horse has bolted. The co-ordinating group meets regularly and will do so right up to the start of the games. The group is scheduled to meet Tuesday next. It is being most proactive in identifying any opportunity that may arise. Its results to date indicate its efforts have been successful. It gives the hope that they will have similar positive results in the run-up to the games.

The Minister of State, Deputy Ring, would have been quite happy to respond personally to the Deputy on this matter in the Chamber this afternoon. However, just as Deputy Dooley stressed the importance of Ministers going abroad to sell the country, the Minister of State is in Brussels at a meeting for European sports Ministers. I am sure he will use every opportunity available to him to sell Ireland as a destination for Olympic teams and spectators.

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