Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a potential bid for the rugby world cup by the Irish Rugby Football Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15197/13]

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a potential bid for the rugby world cup by the Irish Rugby Football Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15282/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 622 and 625 together.

I have met with the IRFU and I am fully supportive of their preparation of a bid to host the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. It is a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid. A report has been commissioned by the IRFU on the feasibility of Ireland hosting the Rugby World Cup Minister Ring and I expect to receive a presentation on it shortly.

The support of other sporting organisations shall be an important element in the bid process and I am pleased to note that delegates at last weekend's GAA Congress approved a motion which  allow the inclusion of Croke Park and other GAA grounds in the list of venues that would be used for matches if Ireland was selected as the host country for the tournament.  

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 can provide a great showcase for Ireland.  Fáilte Ireland continues to support the holding of sports and other events that can boost tourism and, where appropriate, will provide advice and assistance to the sporting body which is seeking to secure an international event.  I understand that Fáilte Ireland has engaged with the IRFU in this regard.