On several occasions in the House, I have commended the increase in the number of tourists to the country. I am glad to state there has been a further increase in the number of tourists visiting our capital city and our country, particularly from North America and continental Europe. We are all aware that Dublin will be the epicentre of European rugby in less than three weeks’ time, when the capital stages both the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup. The RDS will be the venue for the Amlin Challenge Cup on Friday when Leinster meets Stade Français Paris on Friday 17 May. The Heineken Cup showpiece will be held the following day at the nearby Aviva Stadium, between ASM Clermont Auvergne and Toulon. Interestingly, three out of the four teams are French.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

I have. Up to 70,000 people will converge on our capital city over that weekend, a major influx of tourists. We have much to show and offer and, indeed, we hope they will return with happy memories. Dublin will be a sporting experience that weekend for many continentals and for ourselves. We should promote the possibility of holding the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. We have the facilities in Dublin with the Aviva and Croke Park stadiums, Thomond Park in Limerick and Belfast-----

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

We should encourage the powers that be to host the Rugby World Cup in the not-too-distant future.