Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Today the IRFU released further details of its bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023. The Minister of State with responsibility for sport, who was in the House about a half and hour ago, suggested that a Senator might raise this issue. The Leader was in the House at the time. Sport plays a critically important part in the health and well-being of citizens. I mention tourism and the economic prosperity that this would bring. It is an amazing challenge. It is also amazing what can be achieved by co-operation between the IRFU and the GAA in terms of the venues. I mention also the synergies and the co-operation in terms of fostering goodwill. This could bring many benefits to this nation.

There is a long list of capacity and the following venues have been included: Croke Park, the Aviva Stadium, the RDS arena, Nowlan Park, Thomas Park, Fitzgerald Stadium, Pearse Stadium, McHale Park, Casement Park, Kingspan Stadium and Celtic Park. All those are serious options that would provide stadia for this championship. It is important this House wishes those involved in this bid well and that Members do everything they can, through their political and sports contacts, to push for this. Hopefully, we will be successful. There are two other countries bidding, namely, South Africa and France, but it is a challenging and exciting time. I know a number of Ministers and senior politicians were in attendance today when this was announced and we should wish them well. Did we ever think that the GAA and the IRFU would work so successfully together? It is important that Members of this House wish those involved well in this bid.