Vol. 396 No. 7
21 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if consideration has been given by his Department to the tourism potential of attracting to Ireland major European and world sporting events, such as the European Cup, the World Cup, the Olympic Games and any other such events; and if any consideration has been researched in detail.
The attraction of major sporting events to Ireland is an important element of our tourism strategy and where suitable facilities are available Ireland has been successful in attracting a range of world class sporting events. We are not in a position to bid for the European Cup, World Cup or Olympics as we do not, as yet, have adequate facilities.
We are, however, aggressively marketing Ireland as a location for sporting events. In 1990 for example a number of world championships yachting and sailing events will take place in Ireland together with the Boxing World Cup while in 1991 the Walker Cup will be held in Portmarnock Golf Club. Strenuous efforts are currently being made to attract the Ryder Cup to Ireland for 1993 and the Hockey World Cup in 1994.
In addition events in motorsport, showjumping, golf and horse racing are being actively pursued. Such events will generate significant tourist traffic and give worldwide TV and media exposure to Ireland. Other promotions such as corporate sports events and incentive events are also being developed.
That is a very disappointing reply. What does the Minister intend to do if, as is possible and even likely, Ireland win the World Cup? Has he not given consideration to that?
It is fair to say we will jump that fence when we come to it.
To stage an event such as the World Cup one would need to have available at least eight to ten major stadia, and the possibility of having such in this country, even if we were to win the World Cup, is remote.
Has any consideration been researched in detail and, if so, by whom? Has the Minister forgotten the slogan which is hanging, we are told, in the Taoiseach's office, and which says, "Think Big"? Has the possibility I am talking of been researched or has the Minister just surrendered without going into the thing in detail?
We are having repetition.
Has the question been researched?
Deputy Deenihan has offered.
It is much more appropriate that we attempt to attract events to this country for which we have the facilities which are second to none in the world. What the Deputy is referring to has not been researched because it simply is not a possibility that this country could stage a World Cup or Olympics event within a number of years. Perhaps at some time in the future there will be such possibility but, aside from everything else, the major financial cost of providing such facilities is hardly in need of being questioned.
A Cheann Comhairle——
Deputy Deenihan has offered.
That is the next question.
He has offered on this question.
Has the Minister kept his promise to the Amateur Boxing Association to provide funds for the Boxing World Cup which is to be held this summer?
That is a separate question.
I am flabbergasted that the question I am raising has not been properly researched. Will the Minister give consideration to jointly researching the possibility of running such events as the World Cup or others on this island or perhaps jointly with the British?
We are having an extension of the question.
The holding of the World Cup on this island is not on. Certainly there is a possibility that this country could host events on these islands jointly with Britain or elsewhere.
That is under consideration.
We have given consideration to that and are continuing to give consideration to it.
