I propose to take Questions Nos. 556 and 557 together.
Major sports events have the potential to deliver a range of benefits including increased participation in sport and physical activity, increased trade and tourism activity, and boosting national and community pride and wellbeing. Whether my Department, or the wider Government, supports the hosting of a major sports event in Ireland depends on a wide range of factors including the projected cost to the State, the expected economic benefits accruing to the State, and the event’s capacity to contribute to wider policy objectives.
My Department and I have been approached by Motorsport Ireland, in relation to Government support towards the hosting of rounds of the World Rally Championship, in the years 2025 to 2027. That proposal has been examined and assessed by my officials and my Department expects to be in a position to respond to Motorsport Ireland on the proposal shortly.