Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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10. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions, if any, he has taken to advance the IRFU’s bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 or 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22968/13]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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20. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update in relation to the possibility of Ireland bidding to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 or 2027. [22685/13]

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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92. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the current position in relation to the possibility of Ireland bidding to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 or 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22941/13]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 20 and 92 together.

The questions relate to the potential bid by the IRFU to host the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. 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.

I am pleased to note that the GAA has given its support for the bid by allowing 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.