Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is the fee we would have to pay to hold the Rugby World Cup here. It is after this we must ensure we underwrite the costs associated with running it. The Minister is right. I do not believe we can clearly specify what we are prepared to spend at a time we are engaging in a competitive tender. Effectively, everything we say here this evening is a matter of public record. It would not take an Albert Einstein from the French or South African bids to look at the record of the Dáil to see what the Irish Government is prepared to spend to host the Rugby World Cup. I agree with the Minister on this. To be helpful for colleagues who do not have the benefit of the information we do, the Minister should quantify the benefits of holding the Rugby World Cup here, in terms of increased employment, revenue and tax take. Will the Minister clarify the situation with regard to the Northern Ireland Executive? Will it cross-guarantee this? Are we guaranteeing the full amount in the absence of the Assembly being in operation?

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