Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which efforts can be made and or increased to attract major sporting events to this country over the next five years keeping in mind the economic benefits accruing therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1829/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has had discussions with international sporting organisations with a view to increasing interest on the holding of such events in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1869/12]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 267 together.

As Minister of State with responsibility for both Sport and Tourism, I want to ensure that Ireland remains an attractive location for international sporting events. The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. The hosting of sports events gives an opportunity to show that a country like Ireland can host big events, such as the Ryder Cup, theTall Ships Race, Volvo Ocean Race or the Solheim Cup, in an efficient and professional manner. It also provides a great showcase for Ireland and the media coverage of sports tourism events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination. Fáilte Ireland continues to support the sports tourism sector and in 2012 the Volvo Ocean Race will return to Ireland with its finale in Galway while Dún Laoghaire will host the ISAF Youth World Sailing Championship.

The common procedure in regard to the hosting of an international sporting event is that the Irish affiliate of the relevant governing body will bid to host the event in Ireland. Where appropriate, the State Tourism agencies will provide advice and assistance to the sporting body which is seeking to secure an international event. In certain cases it may also be appropriate for Fáilte Ireland to provide financial support towards the event, in return for a contractually-agreed package of tourism benefits.

I am supportive of the efforts of the State Tourism Agencies and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support.

Question No. 259 answered with Question No. 7.

Question No. 260 answered with Question No. 257.