Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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1057. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he has taken in view of the recent findings of the Rugby World Cup 2023 host selection process evaluation report ; and if he will embark on a campaign of lobbying in order to help the IRFU secure the hosting of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in view of the shortness of time left. [46791/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I was disappointed and surprised by the recent findings of the Rugby World Cup Board which has made a recommendation for previous hosts South Africa to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. That said it is very clear from the report that Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) was hugely impressed by the quality of the bid put forward on behalf of Ireland. Ireland scored top/joint top in 12 of the 21 scored categories, second in two and in all cases met or exceeded RWCL requirements.  In that regard, I was pleased to see that the Evaluation Report acknowledged the quality of Ireland’s plans, and our ability to stage a successful event in 2023, stating as it does ‘any of the three candidates could host a successful Rugby World Cup’.

I would hope that a majority of World Rugby Council members, who will vote on November 15th, will place their trust in Ireland to deliver an outstanding Rugby World Cup 2023.  Appropriate engagement with various Rugby Unions will continue over the coming days ahead of the concluding vote.

Together with the Irish Rugby Football Union the Government will, in the coming week, strongly relay Ireland’s compelling proposition to World Rugby Council members  ahead of the vote on November 15^thas the team competes to turn our historic bid plans into reality.