Vol. 547 No. 1
45 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the discussions he has had with the FAI or the Scottish Football Association regarding the proposed joint bid to host the 2008 European Championships; the financial support which will be available from the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2657/02]
47 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps which will be taken by the Government to ensure the availability of Croke Park for the Euro 2008 football tournament in the context of the joint bid to host this tournament here and in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2662/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 47 together.
A joint delegation from the Scottish FA and the Scottish Executive met with Department officials on 17 December last to discuss their proposed joint bid with the FAI to host the European Football Championships 2008 and the requirements set out by UEFA for the hosting of this tournament. The Scottish delegation also met Bord Fáilte and the FAI on the same day. The chief executive of the FAI conveyed his association's strong support for a joint Irish-Scottish bid to host the tournament to Department officials at a meeting four days later on 21 December 2001.
On Friday, 25 January I had a preliminary discussion with the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport on this matter and we arranged that officials of our respective Departments should meet without delay. This meeting took place yesterday, 29 January, and a meeting with the FAI has been arranged for Friday next. In addition, I have agreed to meet Mr. Mike Watson, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport in the Scottish Executive on 5 February next.
The Government is supportive in principle of the proposed joint bid but there are still many issues to be considered before it can proceed, for example, UEFA requirements in terms of stadia, policing, security, accommodation, transport and other infrastructure and services needed in organising this major international tournament. At any rate, both football associations must confirm by 28 February to UEFA that they intend submitting a joint bid by 31 May, the closing date for the submission of formal bids.
As I previously stated in this House, the use of Croke Park, including for activities other than Gaelic games, is a matter entirely for the Gaelic Athletic Association.
