Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1994

Vol. 437 No. 6

Written Answers. - World Cup Tickets.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

65 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education, in regard to her overall responsibility for sport, the steps, if any, she is taking to ensure that Irish fans get a reasonable supply of tickets for the World Cup in the United States in June 1994, especially in view of the latest reports that demand will considerably exceed supply; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Liam Aylward, together with officials of the Department's sport section are actively involved in ensuring an adequate supply of World Cup tickets for Irish supporters.

The Department is working in a special co-ordination group, comprising representatives of the Football Association of Ireland, the Irish Travel Agents' Association, the US Embassy and a number of other Government Departments, which has been established to develop a range of measures to assist and advise Irish fans before and during their attendance at the World Cup Finals. Obtaining an extra allocation of match tickets is a top priority for the group.

The Minister of State has already had a meeting with the Managing Director of World Cup Travel Services, which is the agency responsible for the distribution of match tickets to travel agents. The Minister of State and Department officials have also been, and are, involved in continuing discussions with the FAI about the situation. As well as this, and working closely with the FAI, my Department is approaching FIFA and the World Cup organisers in the USA to seek an improved allocation for our supporters.

I can assure the Deputy that no effort is being spared by my Department in its determination to get a proper supply of tickets for our supporters.