Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
318. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on Ireland hosting the Homeless World Cup; if her Department has engaged with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46786/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe hosting of international sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a positive showcase for Ireland and help attract additional international visitors. I am supportive of the on-going efforts of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport to attract international events. Any proposal to support the hosting of an event must be subject to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support.
With specific regard to the Homeless World Cup, the organisation in question contacted my office earlier this year and received a response outlining potential sports and tourism supports and the most appropriate channels through which these could be pursued.
From a tourism perspective, subject to a favourable assessment of a detailed proposal for a Homeless World Cup in Ireland, Fáilte Ireland could consider providing funding and complementary non-financial supports to assist the bid stage, as well as providing assistance and guidance with running the event. Accordingly, the organisation in question was given the email addresses for suitable contact points in Fáilte Ireland’s Meet in Ireland team and was advised to contact them directly with further details of the event and its bid proposal in order to pursue possible financial supports and other non-financial assistance.
From a sporting perspective, funding for sport is allocated by Sport Ireland and is channelled through the relevant National Governing Body of Sport, which in the case of football, is the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The organisation in question was advised to contact the FAI directly to discuss any supports that might be available.
I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with further details of any potential tourism-related bid supports. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
