Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 400: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the estimated benefit for Ireland arising from staging a successful prestigious Ryder Cup at the K Club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33137/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Fáilte Ireland have estimated that the direct benefit to the economy of hosting of the 2006 Ryder Cup is in the region of €130M.

It is expected that, over the coming years, there will also be a lasting long-term benefit to the tourism industry, and the golf tourism sector in particular, as a result of the worldwide television coverage of the event and the raising of Ireland's profile generally. Furthermore, the positive experiences of overseas visitors to the event will serve as a valuable source of word-of-mouth marketing for our tourism industry for many years to come.

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.