Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question and remarks. Before I respond to the question, I congratulate France on its win. I wish it every success as it turns its attention to delivering an outstanding tournament in 2023. Wednesday's result was disappointing, particularly after the years of work put into the bid. However, in our disappointment, we should not lose sight of the fact that the technical report found that Ireland would be an excellent host country for a Rugby World Cup. Although we were not successful, it is important to highlight that fact. The chairman of World Rugby, Bill Beaumont, noted that there were three outstanding host candidates who raised the bar and overwhelmingly demonstrated that they were all capable of hosting an exceptional Rugby World Cup and stated that there was very little to choose between the candidates and this was reflected in the independently-audited evaluation report.

Ireland was up against two previous hosts and in the evaluation report we fell behind them based on the quality of their stadia, many of which are recently built as result of hosting Euro 2016 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We presented a different, more sustainable vision that involved investment in existing stadia to meet tournament standards. Unfortunately, the Rugby World Cup Limited evaluators did not agree. In any event, ultimately the voters did not support the recommendations. Ireland’s bid is one of which all involved can be extremely proud. I take this opportunity thank Fianna Fáil for ignoring the remarks in the Seanad and to thank that party, Sinn Féin and the Independents for their support for the bid. We had some very constructive debate on the Bill which I introduced in this House. We did have the support of the Opposition, which was critical.

I thank Deputy Cassells for the constructive remarks he makes today. Of course, we are not above criticism but it would be wrong not to acknowledge the fantastic and united support of this nation and virtually all parties behind the bid which was one of which we can all be proud. It should be remembered that according to the evaluation report all of the bidding countries could have produced a very good Rugby World Cup.

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