Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is too early yet for a discussion of funding. We must await receipt of the report, following which a decision will be made on whether to make a formal bid. If we do make a bid, the big issue will be from where the funding will come.

The Deputy is correct that much of the ground work has been done. The big decision was taken last year by the GAA at its congress in terms of its facilities being made available for the event. That was the most important decision. We have the required infrastructure, North and South. Major redevelopment of facilities is under way in Northern Ireland and the stadium in Cork is to be redeveloped. Croke Park would also be available to us. I hope we will have an opportunity to host this event. As the Deputy said, the committee has set out the roadmap for what needs to be done. We need to make a decision on whether to make a formal bid. I hope we will make it and that we will be successful. Ireland would be an ideal country in which to hold the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The country as a whole would buy into it. It would be a great occasion for the country and show to the world that we were able to host major international events.

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