Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Part of the Deputy’s question is related to what the bid for the Rugby World Cup will do for the country, in particular in terms of tourism. There is no doubt that this is one of the events we could stage. Deputy John O’Mahony has referred to the GAA which will also be involved in the committee. This is an opportunity on which the country cannot pass and I hope we can make a bid, but many stumbling blocks will be encountered along the way. Decisions will have to be made on how much the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive can invest in the process. We have an opportunity to show the world that we can host a major international event such as the Rugby World Cup. It will also show how capable the business community is in this country.

The reason we have so many multinational companies is that they know we can do what is required. We have educated people to staff them and we are able to turn around and do whatever is required. I have no doubt this opportunity should not be lost. We will have to wait for the working group to report back to us, and tomorrow we will announce the chairperson of the group. People will be happy with the chairperson, who is of major prominence and very much involved in business. He will be able to bring it together and do a good job for us.

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