Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Deputies know, for any major sports event to be held in the country, the national sports body concerned must issue an invitation. If it is the soccer World Cup, the FAI must issue an invitation; if it is the rugby World Cup, the IRFU has to issue an invitation and so forth. However, Fáilte Ireland has a section that deals with bringing international events to the country and during the years it has always responded well. The Fáilte Ireland team has worked very well with various sports organisations, as well as other types of organisation, to bring international events to the country. It has worked with them in assisting with feasibility studies and providing financial support. I agree with Deputy Bernard J. Durkan that if any sports organisations believes there is an opportunity to bring a major event to the country, it should contact Fáilte Ireland or my Department and it will be offered every available support. There are many international events that could be hosted in the country. Hosting international rugby games in Dublin, for example, generates a significant amount of revenue for the city. For the All-Ireland finals over the last few weekends there was not a hotel bed to be found in Dublin. Sports events attract large numbers of visitors and often such short-term visitors spend more money than other tourists.

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