Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the discussions she has had with Alltech and Dr. Pearse Lyons or his representatives in relation to the proposal to bring the world equestrian games to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23700/10]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the discussion she has had with Horse Sport Ireland about the possibility of bringing the world equestrian games to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23701/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.

In 2008 my predecessors, the late Séamus Brennan TD, and Martin Cullen TD along with officials of the Department, met with those involved in the World Equestrian Games (WEG) including the commercial sponsors, where the modalities of a possible Irish bid for the WEG 2014 were discussed. I should point out that responsibility for applying to host the World Equestrian Games rests with the relevant national governing body, in this case Horse Sport Ireland (HSI). In this regard, consideration was given by HSI in 2008 to making an application to host the 2014 World Equestrian Games. However, I am informed by HSI that, following consideration of the matter at board level, they decided not to proceed with the bid.