Peadar Clohessy
Question:37 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the current position regarding Ireland's application to host the Ryder Cup in the year 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18849/96]
Written Answers. - Ryder Cup.
Any decision as to whether Ireland might host the Ryder Cup is, of course, a matter for the Ryder Cup Committee. However, in the course of discussions with members of the committee and PGA officials, I have made strong representations as to the merits of the case for holding the competition at an Irish venue in 2005. I referred in particular to Ireland's long and proud golfing tradition; the level of investment in recent years in upgrading and expanding our golfing facilities and, indeed, the fine contribution of our golfers to the Ryder Cup competition down through the years.
The Minister of State at the Department of Education, with responsibility for sport, has appointed a small committee to assist in the co-ordination of a bid to have the 2005 competition hosted in Ireland.