Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of the €1.22 million grant aid made available to support the Rugby World Cup 2023 bid that was used; if further funding was sought; if extra funding was granted; the amount which was made available; if it was used in full; if he anticipates further costs to arise in respect of being involved in the final stages to host the Rugby World Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49495/17]

Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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208. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expenditure in relation to the Rugby World Cup bid in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49587/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 208 together.

The  Department contributed €1.22m to support the bid for the RWC 2023 bid over three years.  The funds were paid through Fáilte Ireland.  The contributions in respect of each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 are set out below:

€200,000 - 2015

€600,000 - 2016 

€420,000 - 2017

No further funding was sought by, or paid to, the IRFU or any other body.

In addition, and on behalf of the State, NewERA appointed external legal advisers to advise on a number of aspects of the bid for Rugby World Cup 2023, including the Government guarantees provided to World Rugby as stipulated as part of the bidding process.  The legal fees payable have not been finalised but are expected to be in the order of €300,000 plus VAT.

No further costs to Government arose or are anticipated.