Sports Events

Wednesday, 12 February 2014

Questions (242)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

242. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given consideration to Ireland hosting a regular season NFL American football game, considering the success the UK is having in hosting such games and the continued rise in support for the game in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7163/14]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring)

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.