Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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35. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it may be possible to build on recent success in attracting world sporting events here; the extent to which his Department remains in contact with national and international sporting organisations in this context; the extent to which contacts appear positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36739/14]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The hosting of major sports events can deliver additional international visits and helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.  The Giro D'Italia and the American Football match between the University of Central Florida and Penn State earlier this year shows that the island of Ireland can successfully host large international events.

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 that context, I was delighted to see that the FAI and Dublin City Council recently won their bid to host part of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament at the Aviva stadium, a bid which had my strong support and indeed the support of the Government as a whole. This is a fantastic opportunity to host a premier international tournament.

In relation to the potential hosting of the Rugby World Cup in 2023, the working group comprising the IRFU and relevant Government Departments from both jurisdictions, have submitted their report and its conclusions and recommendations are currently being considered.