Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 231: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the costs incurred by the State in holding the Ryder Cup competition, including moneys granted to the sponsors, money spent on infrastructure and preparation, moneys spent on advertising the event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30269/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Agreement signed with the PGA European Tour in 1998 for the staging of the Ryder Cup in Ireland provided for a payment of €9.5m to the Tour over the intervening period. Of this, the Exchequer, through Fáilte Ireland, contributed €4.9m and the three co-sponsors contributed the balance (Bord Bia, Waterford Crystal, AIB). In 2006 an additional €4.5 million has been specifically allocated to Fáilte Ireland in order to support an enhanced programme of marketing and promotional activities around the Ryder Cup, including a National Branding Programme and a number of golf marketing initiatives. Additional funding is also being provided to Fáilte Ireland to support costs associated with a complementary programme of events with the European Tour including the official opening and closing ceremonies which made such a positive impact on international and domestic audiences. The aim of these programmes was to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the unique event that is the Ryder Cup with a view to promoting an enduring positive image of Irish Tourism. The success of the event, in terms of organisation and the presentation of a positive image of Ireland, has been widely acclaimed. I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with information relating to the cost of infrastructure as this does not fall within the aegis of my Department. Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with the PGA/European Tour and other interests, have commissioned Deloitte and Touche to conduct an economic impact assessment on the Ryder Cup in Ireland and I look forward to the results of their work. Based on the experience of past tournaments, it has been estimated that the economic benefits of the event to Ireland are of the order of €130m.