Liam Aylward
Question:7 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the current position regarding the World Equestrian Games to be held in Ireland in 1998. [2503/97].
Other Questions. - World Equestrian Games.
Michael Smith
Question:23 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the current position in relation to Ireland's involvement in the World Equestrian Games; the cost and the State's involvement to date; and if the financial bond given by Bord Fáilte for the games still stands. [2611/97].
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 23 together.
As I informed the House on 17 October, the World Equestrian Games are scheduled to take place in Ireland in August 1998. As I indicated previously, the allocation of the games to Ireland and their organisation are matters, in the first instance, for the Federation Equestre International, FEI, and World Equestrian Games (Ireland) Limited, WEG. The policy of this and the previous Government has been to encourage and assist WEG (Ireland) Limited in its work, where appropriate, to ensure a commercially successful games that will reflect well on this country in equestrian and general promotional terms.
Exchequer assistance is being provided through Bord Fáilte to WEG (Ireland) Limited to facilitate the holding of the games and to date an amount of £750,000 has been paid to the company. Provision for a further £250,000 has been made for this year. As I advised the House previously, Bord Failte's guarantee to the FEI has been halved to £750,000.
What is the anticipated total cost to the Exchequer of the World Equestrian Games which this side of the House had a huge input in salvaging?
To date, £750,000 has been provided by the Department of Tourism and Trade. This is made up of £250,000 in each of the years 1994, 1995 and 1996. There is a commitment to provide a further £250,000 this year. There is, however, no commitment to provide funding over and above this figure.
What benefits and advantages will accrue from the World Equestrian Games in tourism terms? Where will the games be held and how many countries will participate?
The games will be held in the RDS and Punchestown. I am sure WEG (Ireland) Limited will inform the Deputy of the number of participating countries. It is difficult to put a figure on the overall number of visitors. It is important, however, to avail of this prestigious international event to promote the equine species as a symbol of Ireland. I hope the games will prove successful and act as a catalyst leading to further business in the horse industry. I further hope they will result in an increased number of holidaymakers.
I agree that it is important to use this prestigious international event to promote the horse as a symbol of Ireland, it is almost as strong as the shamrock. What are Bord Fáilte doing to take advantage of those countries participating in this immensely important event?
In its international promotion of Ireland, Bord Fáilte will certainly promote this event, which indicates that Ireland can deal with major international events. For example, we have hosted the Tall Ships and arranged funding for the Tour de France. In due course I hope the Ryder Cup committee will make a decision to allocate the 2005 Ryder Cup to Ireland. These are all events of international prestige and I am happy to be in a position to promote them. Bord Fáilte will play its part in the international marketing of Ireland in this context.