Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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205. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which endeavours continue to be made to host international sporting events in this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46058/24]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government continues to support the hosting of major sports events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities.

This is evidenced by the Government’s support for events such as the annual US College Football Classic since 2022, the hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final in 2024, the Ryder Cup in 2027 in Limerick and the EURO 2028 football championships.

The new policy and framework strategy on the hosting of Major International Sports Events, which was approved by government on 24 July, is the first policy of its kind in Ireland and follows a public comprehensive consultation process, including direct engagement with sports bodies, consultation with key stakeholders and a review of comparable policies in other jurisdictions.

The publication of the Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework stems from a commitment under the Programme for Government to develop a strategy to identify the type of major sporting events Ireland can and should bid for and how these events can be used to increase sporting participation, encourage domestic and international tourism, and promote Ireland.

The policy, in both Irish and English, can be found on my Department's website.