Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a sporting event (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12023/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. As well as bringing spectators to our shores, the hosting of sports events such as the Ryder Cup, the Tall Ships Race, Volvo Ocean Race or the Solheim Cup can provide a great showcase for Ireland. Fáilte Ireland continues to support the holding of sports and other events that can boost tourism and in 2012 the Volvo Ocean Race will return to Ireland with its finale in Galway and the Navy-Notre Dame College Football game and the Tall Ships Race will take place in Dublin.

The normal 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 and publicity benefits. I am supportive of the efforts of the State Tourism Agencies and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to attract suitable international events, subject, of course, to overall Government financial constraints and an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any particular project.