Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding preparations for the part staging of the Giro d'Italia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17375/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding his efforts to assist a bid for Ireland to host the 2023 or 2027 rugby world cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17376/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am fully supportive of the bid to host the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. It is a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid.  A feasibility study commissioned by the IRFU on the potential for hosting the tournament was recently presented to me by them and the findings of the report are being considered. It is a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid.  A feasibility study commissioned by the IRFU on the potential for hosting the tournament was recently presented to me by them and the findings of the report are being considered. The support of other sporting organisations would be an important element in the bid process and I am pleased to note that on 23 March delegates at the GAA Congress approved a motion which would 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. The bid has also been discussed with the Northern Ireland Minister for Tourism, Arlene Foster MLA, and Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. They have met with the IRFU and  have also indicated their support for a bid.