1665. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on efforts to bring the Rugby World Cup to Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37972/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am fully supportive of the concept of hosting the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. The IRFU has presented a feasibility study, which they commissioned, to my Department on the potential for hosting the tournament. The findings of that study and potential next steps are currently being considered.

In March of this year, 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. Should a bid to host the Rugby World Cup be submitted, the inclusion of any venue owned by the GAA is a matter for discussion and agreement between the IRFU and the GAA.