Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, is just after going out the door, but I could not let this opportunity go without congratulating the Irish team. It was brilliant to see them last night. It was a great performance and brought great spirit to the country. Deputy O'Donovan has taken over my role as Minister of State for sport, and I am glad that I had all the hard work done and all the funding put in place. That is why the Irish team were so successful.

I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Commencement today. As the Senator will be aware, the refurbishment of Killarney House and its grounds and gardens was announced in 2011 by a previous Minister, Jimmy Deenihan. The overall value of the project is in the region of €8 million, with Fáilte Ireland providing €5.2 million. I want to put on the record of the House that I was the Minister who announced that €5.2 million when I had responsibility as Minister of State with responsibility for tourism and sport, and I was delighted with pressure from Senators-----