Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures and steps that he took between 31 October and 15 November 2017 to help Ireland's bid to host the 2023 Rugby Word Cup; and if his views on whether a stronger e-campaign of lobbying on Ireland's behalf during this period may have helped in view of the fact that delegates of the RWC committee did not take heed of the findings from the selection process evaluation report. [49473/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Before I respond to the Deputy’s question, I wish to congratulate France on their win.  I wish them every success as they turn their attention to delivering what I hope will be an outstanding tournament in 2023.

Wednesday's result was disappointing, particularly after the years of work put into the bid.  However, in our disappointment, we should not lose sight of the fact that the technical report found that Ireland would be an excellent host country for a Rugby World Cup. 

Ireland was up against two previous hosts and in the evaluation report we fell behind them based on the quality of their stadia, many of which are recently built as result of hosting Euro 2016 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.  We presented a different, more sustainable, vision that involved investment in existing stadia to meet tournament standards.  Unfortunately, RWCL's (Rugby World Cup Ltd) evaluators did not agree.  In any event, ultimately the voters did not support the RWCL recommendation.

There has been a concerted effort by the IRFU and Government over the last number of weeks. Diplomatic channels were used to ensure that the quality of our bid was recognised at all levels in voting countries.  I myself contacted the UK Secretary of State with responsibility for sport, Karen Bradley, MP and had a detailed conference call with the Under Secretary, Minister Tracey Crouch.

Everything that was requested of the Governments was provided including guarantees and the payment of the tournament fee.  The IRFU has acknowledged that they received the full support of the Governments.  I do not believe that the bid team, who considered the merits of a possible digital campaign, fell short in their preparation or lobbying.  In the end, it was not our day.