The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. The hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland, drive international visitor numbers and the media coverage of sports tourism events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
In this regard, I am supportive of the ongoing efforts of the State Tourism Agencies and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support. This year I look forward to the Giro d'Italia and the Penn State-UCL American Football game coming to Ireland.
I am aware of the regular NFL season games in London but it is primarily a matter for the NFL if it wants to stage more games overseas. If it was possible to attract such a game and it was attractive from a cost/benefit perspective then I would support efforts to bring it about.