Bernard Allen
Question:17 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will give details of his Department's effort, if any, to secure the Ryder Cup, 2005 for Ireland. [17229/97]
Written Answers. - Ryder Cup Competition.
Jack Wall
Question:68 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the structure, if any, he will put in place for the Ryder Cup competition when it comes to Ireland in 2005 to ensure its success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17285/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 68 together. Both myself and representatives of Bord Fáilte have met on a number of occasions key representatives from the European Tour and the PGA to promote Ireland's ability and desire to host the Ryder Cup. Arising from these meetings, and building on the work of the previous Government, I had the pleasure, on 25 September 1997, of announcing details of a unique partnership between the PGA and Bord Fáilte which will involve a major new joint eight year marketing strategy for Irish golf holidays. This strategy will culminate in the Ryder Cup being staged in Ireland in the year 2005.
With a view to advancing the technical aspects of this unique partnership, I will soon be establishing a negotiating team whose job will be to profile the best kind of national promotional strategy, formalise arrangements with commercial sponsors and then to work with the Ryder Cup committee on the best ways and means to deliver the various elements of the marketing package agreed. Overall, the total Exchequer cost will not exceed £4 million over the full eight years of the strategy.
The organisation of the Ryder Cup competition itself is essentially the responsibility of the European Ryder Cup committee. However, the House can be assured that every effort will be made both to ensure the success of the event itself and to maximise the benefits it brings to Ireland.