Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2015
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department continue to promote the hosting of the Rugby World Cup in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24041/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive announced our support last December for the preparation of a joint bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023. The IRFU, with support of both Governments, soon after commenced work on compiling the bid. In that context, the Irish Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and the IRFU announced the appointment of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Bid Ambassador and a number of board members to the RWC 2023 Bid Oversight Board on 14th May last. The Oversight Board will approve bid strategy, oversee progress, liaise with the IRFU and both Governments, and ensure the delivery of a 'world class' bid to host RWC 2023 in Ireland.
Dick Spring, former Tánaiste and Irish rugby international, has been appointed as Chair, and Dr. David Dobbin, Group Chief Executive, Dale Farm has appointed as Vice-Chair. The Bid Ambassador will be former Ireland rugby captain, Brian O'Driscoll. Other board members include Hugo MacNeill, former Irish rugby international and Chair of the cross-border RWC working group, Philip Browne, Chief Executive of the IRFU, Páraic Duffy, Director General, GAA and Shane Logan, CEO Ulster Rugby.
The Chair, Vice chair and other nominees met on 10th June to agree its schedule of meetings and work programme. Further appointments to the Board will be made over the coming months. The bid has the full support of both Governments and we will be working very closely with the IRFU to ensure that the best possible bid is lodged with World Rugby to bring the Rugby World Cup to Ireland in 2023.
