Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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842. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he intends to encourage the tourism sector to expand in the wake of or around major sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8297/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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843. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which consideration continues to be given to the promotion of all sporting events internationally in such a way as to make a major impact on the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8298/14]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 842 and 843 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 provide a great showcase for Ireland, drive international visitor numbers and the media coverage of sports tourism events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination. 

 Accordingly I am supportive of the ongoing efforts of the 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, in particular the number of overseas visitors.

 Other important sporting events take place each year, for example the GAA All-Ireland series, the Six Nations rugby and the Irish Open. Where appropriate, the tourism bodies work with these and other sporting bodies to maximise the tourism benefit of events.  For example, the Irish Open has in the past received significant support from Fáilte Ireland.

 Tourism Ireland is the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination in overseas markets.  Tourism Ireland, working closely with Fáilte Ireland, is promoting key sporting events taking place in 2014, including the visit of the Giro d’Italia cycle race and the Croke Park Classic American football game, to encourage visits to Ireland.