Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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252. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he continues to examine and explore the possibility of linking up major sporting events in this country with sister events in other jurisdictions throughout Europe and globally with a view to maximising economic benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47599/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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256. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department continue to promote the use of this country to host major international sporting events; the extent to which he continues to engage with sporting organisations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47603/13]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 256 together.  

The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. The hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can deliver additional international visits and provide a great showcase for Ireland and the media coverage of sports tourism events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.  In this regard, I look forward to the Giro d'Italia coming to Ireland next year.  

I am supportive of the ongoing efforts of the State Tourism Agencies and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support.